On Wee Johnny
Hic Jacet Wee Johnny
By Robert Burns
Whoe’er thou art, O reader, know,
That death has murder’d Johnny!
An’ here his body lies fu’ low —
For saul he ne’er had ony.
Note:
Wee Johnny was John Wilson, printer of the Kilmarnock edition of Burns’s Poems: he doubted the success of the speculation, and the poet punished him in these lines, which he printed unaware of their meaning.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was known for his sharp wit, satire, and ability to blend humor with biting critique. On Wee Johnny is a short but scathing epitaph directed at John Wilson, the printer of the Kilmarnock edition of Burns’s poems. Wilson, skeptical about the commercial success of Burns’s poetry, inadvertently published this poem, unaware that he was the subject of the poet’s ridicule.
Historical Context
The poem's target, John Wilson, played a crucial role in Burns’s literary career. He was responsible for printing the Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (1786), now known as the Kilmarnock Edition. However, Wilson was hesitant about the venture, doubting whether the book would sell. Burns, who often resented those who underestimated him, responded with this sharp quip disguised as an epitaph.
The irony is that Wilson, failing to recognize himself in the poem, printed it—thus becoming an unintentional accomplice in his own mockery. This incident showcases Burns’s mastery of satire and his ability to turn skepticism about his work into literary revenge.
Satirical Mockery
The poem’s central theme is satirical revenge. Burns ridicules Wilson by pretending to mourn his death, but in reality, he mocks him for his lack of vision and artistic appreciation.
“Whoe’er thou art, O reader, know, / That death has murder’d Johnny!”
This opening line mimics the solemn tone of a traditional epitaph, tricking the reader into expecting a respectful tribute. However, this setup only intensifies the humor and mockery that follow.
“An’ here his body lies fu’ low— / For saul he ne’er had ony.”
Burns delivers the ultimate insult: Wilson may have had a body, but he lacked a soul. This line suggests that Wilson was devoid of artistic passion, insight, or even intellectual depth.
The Poet’s Revenge
Burns was not one to let criticism or doubt go unanswered. Rather than directly confronting Wilson, he cleverly embeds his insult within an epitaph—making it seem like a solemn tribute while actually delivering a harsh judgment.
This method of attacking critics through poetry was not unusual for Burns. He had previously used his verse to mock the hypocrisy of the clergy, social elites, and even fellow poets. In On Wee Johnny, his literary retaliation is concise but powerful.
The Nature of Literary Success
Wilson’s skepticism highlights a common struggle for emerging poets: convincing publishers and the public of their worth. Burns, aware of his own talent, resented Wilson’s doubts. The fact that the Kilmarnock Edition became a success only adds another layer of irony—Wilson misjudged the potential of the very poet whose work he was printing.
This poem can be seen as Burns’s declaration of confidence. Despite initial doubts from figures like Wilson, Burns’s poetry would go on to achieve widespread acclaim, securing his place as Scotland’s most celebrated bard.
Literary Devices
- Irony: The poem adopts the solemn structure of an epitaph but delivers a stinging insult instead.
- Satire: Burns disguises his critique in the form of mock mourning.
- Concise Wit: In just four lines, Burns effectively dismantles Wilson’s credibility as a literary judge.
On Wee Johnny is a brilliant example of Burns’s sharp tongue and poetic wit. What appears to be a mournful tribute is actually a clever insult aimed at John Wilson, the printer who doubted Burns’s success. The poem encapsulates themes of artistic confidence, literary revenge, and the underestimation of genius.
This short but cutting verse serves as a reminder that Burns, though deeply passionate about poetry, was never afraid to use humor and satire to challenge those who failed to recognize his talent. In the end, Wilson printed Burns’s insult unknowingly—a poetic justice that only reinforces Burns’s legacy as a master of both verse and wit.