A Vision (Poem by Robert Burns)

A Vision

By Robert Burns

As I stood by yon roofless tower,

Where the wa’-flower scents the dewy air,

Where th’ howlet mourns in her ivy bower

And tells the midnight moon her care;

The winds were laid, the air was still,

The Stars they shot along the sky;

The fox was howling on the hill,

And the distant echoing glens reply.

The stream, adown its hazelly path,

Was rushing by the ruin’d wa’s,

Hasting to join the sweeping Nith, [1]

Whose distant roaring swells and fa’s.

The cauld blue north was streaming forth

Her lights, wi’ hissing eerie din;

Athort the lift they start and shift,

Like fortune’s favours, tint as win.

By heedless chance I turn’d mine eyes,

And, by the moon-beam, shook to see

A stern and stalwart ghaist arise,

Attir’d as minstrels wont to be. [2]

Had I a statue been o’ stane,

His darin’ look had daunted me;

And on his bonnet grav’d was plain,

The sacred posy — ‘Libertie!’

And frae his harp sic strains did flow,

Might rous’d the slumb’ring dead to hear;

But, oh! it was a tale of woe,

As ever met a Briton’s ear.

He sang wi’ joy the former day,

He weeping wail’d his latter times;

But what he said it was nae play, — 

I winna ventur’t in my rhymes.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] VARIATIONS

To join yon river on the Strath.

[2] VARIATIONS

Now looking over firth and fauld,

Her horn the pale-fac’d Cynthia rear’d;

When, lo, in form of minstrel auld,

A storm and stalwart ghaist appear’d.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns, the renowned Scottish poet, in his poem "A Vision," takes the reader on a vivid and haunting journey through a moonlit landscape, where the past, present, and the spirit of liberty converge. Through the power of nature and the mysterious appearance of a ghostly figure, Burns explores themes of history, freedom, and the enduring struggles of the human spirit.

Themes:

1. The Haunting Past: The poem begins with the speaker standing by a roofless tower, a symbol of decay and the passage of time. This setting immediately establishes a sense of the past haunting the present. The howling fox and echoing glens contribute to the eerie atmosphere, evoking a sense of the uncanny.
2. The Spirit of Liberty: The central figure in the poem is a ghostly minstrel adorned with a bonnet bearing the word "Libertie." This character embodies the spirit of liberty and freedom. His presence suggests that these ideals are not bound by time but endure as timeless forces.
3. The Contrast of Emotions: The minstrel's song is described as a mix of joy and sorrow. He begins by singing joyfully of the past but transitions into a mournful lament for the present and future. This contrast underscores the complexities of the human experience and the enduring struggle for freedom.

Structure and Language:

1. Stanza Structure: The poem consists of 8 quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The structured format adds a sense of rhythm and order to the poem.
2. Vivid Imagery: Burns uses vivid imagery to create a haunting atmosphere. He describes the moonlit scene, the howling fox, and the rushing stream with evocative language. This imagery immerses the reader in the poem's eerie setting.
3. Symbolism: The roofless tower and the moonlight serve as symbols of the passage of time and the enduring presence of the past. The minstrel, with "Libertie" on his bonnet, symbolizes the eternal spirit of freedom.

Analysis:

1. Timelessness of Liberty: The appearance of the minstrel with the word "Libertie" on his bonnet emphasizes the idea that the spirit of liberty transcends time and is always relevant. The poem suggests that the struggle for freedom persists, regardless of the era.
2. Complexity of Emotion: The minstrel's shift from joy to sorrow in his song reflects the poet's understanding of the multifaceted nature of human history. It acknowledges moments of triumph and moments of despair in the pursuit of liberty.
3. The Poet's Role: As a poet, Burns serves as a witness to this haunting vision. His choice to not reveal the specifics of the minstrel's song adds an air of mystery and emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of those who have fought for freedom.

In "A Vision," Robert Burns crafts a haunting and atmospheric poem that explores themes of history, liberty, and the enduring human spirit. The moonlit landscape and the ghostly minstrel create a sense of timelessness, reminding readers of the ongoing struggle for freedom. Burns invites us to reflect on the complexities of our past, present, and future, urging us to honor the spirit of liberty that endures through the ages.