To Miss Jessy Lewars (Poem by Robert Burns)

To Miss Jessy Lewars, Dumfries, with Johnson’s Musical Museum

By Robert Burns

Thine be the volumes, Jessy fair,

And with them take the Poet’s prayer;

That fate may in her fairest page,

With every kindliest, best presage

Of future bliss, enrol thy name:

With native worth and spotless fame,

And wakeful caution still aware

Of ill — but chief, man’s felon snare;

All blameless joys on earth we find,

And all the treasures of the mind — 

These be thy guardian and reward;

So prays thy faithful friend, The Bard.

June 26, 1796

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns’s short poem To Miss Jessy Lewars is a heartfelt, affectionate tribute to a young woman who played an important role in the final days of the poet’s life. Written in 1796, shortly before his death, this poem combines the sincerity of friendship with poetic elegance, offering a blessing more than a traditional verse. It is a prime example of Burns’s ability to blend personal sentiment, moral wisdom, and lyrical grace.

Context

Jessy Lewars was a close friend of Burns’s family and assisted the ailing poet during his final illness. She was just 18 at the time. Burns’s gratitude toward her is expressed here not in grand metaphor or romantic flourish, but in a warm, generous benediction. The poem feels like a farewell gift — both literary and emotional — from “The Bard” to a kind-hearted companion.

Line-by-Line Commentary

“Thine be the volumes, Jessy fair, / And with them take the Poet’s prayer;”

Burns gifts his poetry — likely a collection of his own works — to Jessy and accompanies it with a prayer. This opening line sets a tone of affection and deep gratitude. The address “Jessy fair” suggests both admiration and endearment.

“That fate may in her fairest page, / With every kindliest, best presage / Of future bliss, enrol thy name:”

Here, Burns expresses a wish that Jessy’s name be written in the most favorable part of fate’s “page.” The metaphor of fate as a book implies a life yet to be written, and Burns wishes it to be filled with blessings and happiness — “future bliss.”

“With native worth and spotless fame,”

Burns acknowledges Jessy’s inherent goodness (“native worth”) and unblemished reputation (“spotless fame”), affirming her moral character and social integrity.

“And wakeful caution still aware / Of ill — but chief, man’s felon snare;”

A shift occurs here — Burns gently warns Jessy to remain vigilant, especially against the dangers posed by men. The phrase “man’s felon snare” suggests not only romantic or sexual danger but more broadly, the ways women may be harmed or misled in a male-dominated society.

“All blameless joys on earth we find, / And all the treasures of the mind —”

This couplet expands the blessing: Burns wishes Jessy all innocent pleasures (“blameless joys”) and intellectual richness — the “treasures of the mind.” He values not only worldly happiness but also mental and moral fulfillment.

“These be thy guardian and reward; / So prays thy faithful friend, The Bard.”

The poem closes with a beautiful symmetry. The joys and wisdom Burns wishes for Jessy are to act as both her protectors and her just rewards. He signs off simply as “The Bard,” reinforcing the sincerity and humility of his gesture.

Themes

1. Gratitude and Affection: The poem is a personal thank-you and tribute to Jessy Lewars, full of appreciation for her kindness.
2. Virtue and Caution: Burns praises Jessy’s moral character and warns her to remain cautious in a world where good people, especially women, are vulnerable.
3. Blessings and Well-Wishes: Much of the poem is a prayer for happiness, wisdom, and fulfillment — both emotional and intellectual.
4. The Power of Friendship: Rather than romantic passion, this poem reflects platonic love and loyalty.

Style and Language

1. Simplicity and Elegance: The poem avoids complex metaphor or ornate language. Its clarity enhances its emotional impact.
2. Moral Wisdom: Burns combines poetic beauty with practical advice — a mark of his later, more mature works.
3. Personal Voice: The final signature, “thy faithful friend, The Bard,” brings the reader directly into Burns’s personal world, making the poem feel intimate and sincere.

To Miss Jessy Lewars stands as a gentle and loving farewell from Robert Burns to a young woman whose kindness comforted him in his final days. Unlike his more fiery or satirical pieces, this poem glows with quiet wisdom, humility, and care. It is not only a testament to Jessy’s character but also to Burns’s enduring ability to elevate personal moments into timeless poetic expression. Through its graceful lines, the poem preserves a moment of gratitude, friendship, and humanity — a final gift from Scotland’s beloved bard.