Written in a Lady’s Pocket-Book (Poem by Robert Burns)

Written in a Lady’s Pocket-Book

By Robert Burns

Grant me, indulgent Heav’n, that I may live

To see the miscreants feel the pains they give,

Deal Freedom’s sacred treasures free as air,

Till slave and despot be but things which were.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns’ short yet impactful poem Written in a Lady’s Pocket-Book reflects his deep-seated belief in justice, freedom, and the downfall of tyranny. Though brief, the poem carries a powerful political and moral message, encapsulated within a single quatrain (four-line stanza) following an AABB rhyme scheme.

A Plea for Justice and Retribution

The poem begins with a personal supplication:

Grant me, indulgent Heav’n, that I may live

To see the miscreants feel the pains they give,

Here, the speaker (presumably Burns himself) calls upon Heaven to grant him the opportunity to witness the suffering of those who have inflicted harm upon others. The use of indulgent Heav’n suggests both reverence and a hope for divine intervention in worldly affairs. The term miscreants refers to wrongdoers, likely tyrants or oppressors, and the phrase feel the pains they give suggests a desire for poetic justice—where those who cause suffering must endure it themselves.

Burns, known for his radical views on social justice and political freedom, frequently expressed disdain for oppressors. This line aligns with his broader philosophical stance that those who exploit or harm others should be held accountable.

The Ideal of Universal Freedom

The latter half of the poem shifts from retribution to an idealistic vision of liberty:

Deal Freedom’s sacred treasures free as air,

Till slave and despot be but things which were.

The phrase Freedom’s sacred treasures elevates liberty to a divine and inalienable right, something that should be as universally available as air. The emphasis on distributing freedom freely reinforces the idea that no one should be deprived of it.

The final line envisions a future where both slave and despot are relics of the past. By linking these two figures—the oppressed and the oppressor—Burns suggests that their existence is intertwined. In a truly free world, neither will remain: the slave will be liberated, and the despot will lose their power.

This line echoes Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary sentiments that were sweeping across Europe and America during Burns’ lifetime. The abolition of tyranny and the emancipation of the oppressed were central concerns in many of his works.

AABB Rhyme Scheme

The poem follows a simple and effective AABB rhyme scheme, which enhances its rhythmic quality and memorability. This structure, commonly found in Burns’ poetry, allows the lines to flow naturally while reinforcing their meaning.

Compact yet Powerful Diction

Despite being only four lines long, the poem is packed with strong, evocative words:

• Miscreants (evildoers)
• Pains they give (karma, retribution)
• Sacred treasures (suggesting freedom as holy and valuable)
• Slave and despot (oppression and its agents)

Burns’ use of precise and impactful language ensures that each line delivers maximum effect. The contrast between oppression (slave and despot) and liberation (freedom’s sacred treasures) sharpens the poem’s central message.

Direct and Persuasive Tone

The poem reads like a prayer or a declaration, making it both personal and universal. The direct appeal to Heaven adds a moral dimension, implying that the pursuit of justice is not merely a human concern but a divine imperative.

Historical and Political Context

Burns wrote during a time of great political upheaval. The late 18th century saw the American Revolution (1775–1783) and the early stages of the French Revolution (1789). These events, driven by ideas of democracy and liberty, likely influenced Burns’ passionate advocacy for freedom.

Scotland, under British rule, had its own struggles with inequality and oppression. Burns, a supporter of democratic ideals, often criticized monarchy and feudal hierarchies in his work. His sympathy for the common people and disdain for tyranny are evident in this poem.

Written in a Lady’s Pocket-Book may be short, but it carries a weighty message. Burns’ plea for justice, freedom, and the end of oppression encapsulates his lifelong dedication to equality and human rights. The poem’s straightforward structure, powerful diction, and rhythmic flow make it an enduring piece of political poetry.

With just four lines, Burns delivers a timeless call for a world where tyranny is abolished, and freedom is as abundant as the air we breathe—a vision that remains relevant even today.