The Heron Ballads (Poem by Robert Burns)

The Heron Ballads

Ballad Third

By Robert Burns

Wha will buy my troggin,

    Fine election ware;

Broken trade o’ Broughton,

    A’ in high repair.

            Buy braw troggin,

                Frae the banks o’ Dee;

            Wha wants troggin

                Let him come to me.

There’s a noble Earl’s [1]

    Fame and high renown

For an auld sang — 

    It’s thought the gudes were stown.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s the worth o’ Broughton [2]

    In a needle’s ee;

Here’s a reputation

    Tint by Balmaghie.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s an honest conscience

    Might a prince adorn;

Frae the downs o’ Tinwald — [3]

    So was never worn.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s its stuff and lining,

    Cardoness’ [4] head;

Fine for a sodger

    A’ the wale o’ lead.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s a little wadset

    Buittle’s [5] scrap o’ truth,

Pawn’d in a gin-shop

    Quenching holy drouth.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s armorial bearings

    Frae the manse o’ Urr; [6]

The crest, an auld crab-apple

    Rotten at the core.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here is Satan’s picture,

    Like a bizzard gled,

Pouncing poor Redcastle, [7]

    Sprawlin’ as a taed.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here’s the worth and wisdom

    Collieston [8] can boast;

By a thievish midge

    They had been nearly lost.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Here is Murray’s fragments

    O’ the ten commands;

Gifted by black Jock [9]

    To get them aff his hands.

            Buy braw troggin, &c.

Saw ye e’er sic troggin?

    If to buy ye’re slack,

Hornie’s turnin’ chapman,

    He’ll buy a’ the pack.

            Buy braw troggin,

                Frae the banks o’ Dee;

            Wha wants troggin

                Let him come to me.

FOOTNOTES:

1. The Earl of Galloway.
2. Murray, of Broughton and Caillie.
3. Bushby, of Tinwald-downs.
4. Maxwell, of Cardoness.
5. The Minister of Buittle.
6. Morehead, of Urr.
7. Laurie, of Redcastle.
8. Copland, of Collieston and Blackwood.
9. John Bushby, of Tinwald-downs.

Poem Analysis:

"The Heron Ballads" by Robert Burns is a satirical poem that sharply criticizes the corruption and moral decay prevalent in Scottish society during Burns's time. Through witty and mocking verses, Burns exposes the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of individuals in positions of power and influence.

Satirical Tone: Burns employs a satirical tone throughout the poem, using humor and irony to highlight the flaws and vices of the characters he describes. The poem's structure, with its repetitive refrain and playful language, adds to its satirical effect.

Critique of Corruption: The poem targets individuals involved in politics, commerce, and religion, portraying them as morally bankrupt and deceitful. Burns mocks their false reputations, tainted honor, and hypocritical behavior, exposing the corruption that pervades their lives.

Symbols and Metaphors: Burns uses symbolic language and metaphors to underscore his critique. References to "trogs" (goods) and "troggin" (trading) symbolize the exchange of moral principles for personal gain. The imagery of broken trade and tarnished reputations serves as a metaphor for the moral decay prevalent in society.

Social Commentary: "The Heron Ballads" serves as a biting social commentary on the moral and ethical decline of Scottish society. Burns shines a light on the greed, dishonesty, and moral compromises that characterize the behavior of those in positions of authority and influence.

Call to Action: While the poem exposes the moral failings of its characters, it also serves as a call to action. Burns urges readers to recognize and resist the corruption and deceit that threaten the fabric of society. Through humor and satire, he encourages individuals to uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.

In conclusion, "The Heron Ballads" by Robert Burns is a powerful indictment of moral corruption and hypocrisy. Through its clever use of satire and symbolism, the poem exposes the moral decay prevalent in Scottish society while urging readers to uphold principles of honesty and integrity.