For Gavin Hamilton
By Robert Burns
The poor man weeps — here Gavin sleeps,
Whom canting wretches blam’d:
But with such as he, where’er he be,
May I be sav’d or damn’d!
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, known for his sharp wit and deep empathy for the common man, often used poetry to express his admiration for individuals he respected. For Gavin Hamilton is a short yet powerful verse dedicated to Gavin Hamilton, a close friend of Burns and a man who faced criticism from religious authorities. In just four lines, Burns conveys themes of loyalty, defiance against hypocrisy, and personal conviction.
Themes and Meaning
- Mourning and Respect for Gavin Hamilton: The opening line, “The poor man weeps — here Gavin sleeps”, establishes a tone of sorrow and reverence. Hamilton’s passing is portrayed as a loss not just for Burns but for the “poor man,” suggesting that Hamilton was a defender or benefactor of the less fortunate. This reinforces Burns’s admiration for him.
- Criticism of Religious Hypocrisy: The phrase “Whom canting wretches blam’d” is a direct attack on religious hypocrites who condemned Hamilton. The term “canting wretches” refers to self-righteous individuals who preach morality but fail to embody true virtue. Burns often criticized such figures in his poetry, as he believed in sincerity over empty piety.
- Loyalty and Personal Conviction: The final two lines, “But with such as he, where’er he be, / May I be sav’d or damn’d!”, highlight Burns’s unwavering loyalty to Hamilton. Burns declares that he would rather share Hamilton’s fate—whether salvation or damnation—than side with those who falsely judge others. This line reflects Burns’s personal philosophy: he valued genuine goodness over rigid religious dogma.
Structure and Style
- Concise and Direct: The poem is brief but impactful, using plain yet forceful language to express strong emotions.
- Emphatic Diction: Words like “weeps”, “blam’d”, “canting”, and “damn’d” add intensity to the poem, making it a passionate declaration rather than a mere tribute.
For Gavin Hamilton is a powerful example of Robert Burns’s ability to blend personal sentiment with social commentary. In just four lines, he mourns his friend, condemns hypocrisy, and asserts his own moral stance. The poem serves as both a tribute to Hamilton and a reflection of Burns’s enduring defiance against rigid religious judgment.