The Lass of Ballochmyle (Poem by Robert Burns)

The Lass of Ballochmyle (1)

By Robert Burns

'Twas even — the dewy fields were green,

    On every blade the pearls hang,

The zephyr wanton’d round the bean,

    And bore its fragrant sweets alang:

In ev’ry glen the mavis sang,

    All nature listening seem’d the while,

Except where greenwood echoes rang

    Amang the braes o’ Ballochmyle!

The Lass of Ballochmyle (2)

With careless step I onward stray’d,

    My heart rejoic’d in nature’s joy,

When musing in a lonely glade,

    A maiden fair I chanc’d to spy;

Her look was like the morning’s eye,

    Her air like nature’s vernal smile,

Perfection whisper’d passing by,

    Behold the lass o’ Ballochmyle!

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Fair is the morn in flow’ry May,

    And sweet is night in autumn mild

When roving thro’ the garden gay,

    Or wand’ring in the lonely wild;

But woman, nature’s darling child!

    There all her charms she does compile;

Even there her other works are foil’d

    By the bonnie lass o’ Ballochmyle.

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O, had she been a country maid,

    And I the happy country swain,

Tho’ shelter’d in the lowest shed

    That ever rose on Scotland’s plain,

Thro’ weary winter’s wind and rain,

    With joy, with rapture, I would toil;

And nightly to my bosom strain

    The bonnie lass of Ballochmyle.

The Lass of Ballochmyle (5)

Then pride might climb the slippery steep,

    Where fame and honours lofty shine:

And thirst of gold might tempt the deep

    Or downward seek the Indian mine;

Give me the cot below the pine,

    To tend the flocks, or till the soil,

And ev’ry day have joys divine

    With the bonnie lass o’ Ballochmyle.

Poem Analysis:

The Lass of Ballochmyle," a delightful and romantic poem by Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, celebrates the beauty of nature and the allure of love. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotions, Burns invites readers to explore the enchanting landscape of Ballochmyle and the captivating presence of a young maiden.

Embracing Nature's Beauty: The poem opens with a scene set in the evening when the fields are adorned with dew, and the air is filled with the fragrance of blooming beans. Burns's meticulous descriptions immerse the reader in a tranquil and idyllic countryside. The mention of the mavis (song thrush) adds to the sensory richness of the poem, as the bird's song becomes an integral part of the natural symphony. This initial stanza sets the stage for the reader to embark on a sensory journey through the Scottish landscape.

The Enigmatic Encounter: As the poem unfolds, the speaker describes a chance encounter with a "maiden fair" while wandering through a lonely glade. The maiden's beauty is likened to the "morning's eye," emphasizing her radiant and refreshing appearance. Burns's choice of words, such as "nature's vernal smile" and "Perfection whisper'd passing by," conveys not only her physical beauty but also her embodiment of all that is harmonious and lovely in nature.

The Power of Feminine Beauty: In the third stanza, Burns extols the beauty of women in the context of the changing seasons. He acknowledges the allure of both spring and autumn but asserts that the woman he has encountered surpasses them all. The poem elevates the woman to the status of "nature's darling child," suggesting that her beauty is the epitome of natural grace.

Love and Simplicity: In the fourth stanza, Burns expresses a desire for a simple, rustic life with the maiden of Ballochmyle. He envisions himself as a "country swain" and her as a "country maid," living a modest life in a humble cottage. This stanza reinforces the idea that love and companionship are more precious than wealth or fame. It echoes Burns's frequent themes of valuing the simple pleasures of life and the authenticity of rural existence.

The Pursuit of Happiness: In the final stanza, Burns contrasts the pursuit of material wealth and worldly success with the contentment found in the company of his beloved. He values a life in harmony with nature and shared with the "bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle" over any other ambitions. This stanza serves as a reflection of Burns's personal philosophy, which often emphasized the joys of ordinary life and genuine human connections.

"The Lass of Ballochmyle" is a captivating ode to nature, love, and the timeless beauty of women. Robert Burns masterfully intertwines the elements of nature with the enchantment of romantic love, creating a lyrical and harmonious poem. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, the poem continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the simple pleasures found in the embrace of nature and companionship.