48.
Craigieburn-wood -- A Song ----
1.
Sweet closes the evening on Craigieburn-wood,
And blythely awaukens the morrow,
But the pride o' the spring in the Craigieburn-wood
Can yield me nought but sorrow. ----
2.
I see the spreading leaves & flowers,
I hear the wild birds singing,
But pleasure they hae nane for me,
While Care my heart is wringing. ----
3
I can na tell, I maun na tell,
I daur na for your anger;
But secret loove will break my heart,
If I conceal it langer. ----
4
I see thee gracefu', straight & tall,
I see thee sweet & bonie;
But Oh, what will my torments be,
If thou refuse thy Johnie!----
To
Craigieburn-wood -- A Song ----
1.
Sweet closes the evening on Craigieburn-wood,
And blythely awaukens the morrow,
But the pride o' the spring in the Craigieburn-wood
Can yield me nought but sorrow. ----
2.
I see the spreading leaves & flowers,
I hear the wild birds singing,
But pleasure they hae nane for me,
While Care my heart is wringing. ----
3
I can na tell, I maun na tell,
I daur na for your anger;
But secret loove will break my heart,
If I conceal it langer. ----
4
I see thee gracefu', straight & tall,
I see thee sweet & bonie;
But Oh, what will my torments be,
If thou refuse thy Johnie!----
To
49.
5.
To see thee in another's arms,
In love to lie & languish,
'Twill be my dead, that will be seen
My heart wad brust wi' anguish. ----
6.
But Jeanie, say thou wilt be mine,
Say thou lo'es nane before me;
And a' my days o' life to come,
I'll gratefully adore thee! ----
_____________________
5.
To see thee in another's arms,
In love to lie & languish,
'Twill be my dead, that will be seen
My heart wad brust wi' anguish. ----
6.
But Jeanie, say thou wilt be mine,
Say thou lo'es nane before me;
And a' my days o' life to come,
I'll gratefully adore thee! ----
_____________________
Key details
- Archive number
- NTS/02/25/BRN/02/170
- Alt. number
- 3.6215.k
- Date
- 1791
- On display
- Yes
- Creator
- Burns, Robert (Author)
- Recipient
- Stewart, Mrs Alexander
- Archive number
- NTS/02/25/BRN/02/170
- Alt. number
- 3.6215.k
- Date
- 1791
- On display
- Yes
- Creator
- Burns, Robert (Author)
- Recipient
- Stewart, Mrs Alexander
Description
Cragieburn-wood - A Song, part of the Afton manuscript collection.
Cragieburn-wood was written by Burns to assist a fellow exciseman John Gillespie in his desire for a relationship with Miss Jean Lorimer, who was the daughter of a farming neighbour at Ellisland.
The first verse is set at the Cragieburn birthplace of Jean Lorimer and introduces a scene of pastoral tranquillity but nervous tension. Burns follows the theme of uncertainty in his suitor's quest to declare his feelings and the dire consequences of rejection by the 'sweet and bonie' Jean.
In the last two verses Burns emphasises the depth of his suitor's love and promises a lifetime of adoration if she accepts him. In reality, Burns's efforts failed to have any lasting influence for John Gillespie and Jean Lorimer eloped into an unsuccessful marriage at Gretna Green in 1793.
This particular manuscript is part of the Afton Manuscript collection. This collection of thirteen poems was presented by Robert to Mrs Alexander Stewart of Stair in 1791.
In the last two verses Burns emphasises the depth of his suitor's love and promises a lifetime of adoration if she accepts him. In reality, Burns's efforts failed to have any lasting influence for John Gillespie and Jean Lorimer eloped into an unsuccessful marriage at Gretna Green in 1793.
This particular manuscript is part of the Afton Manuscript collection. This collection of thirteen poems was presented by Robert to Mrs Alexander Stewart of Stair in 1791.
Archive information
Themes
Hierarchy
-
Robert Burns, collection of poems and songs
(
a sub-fonds is a subdivision in the archival material)
- Cragieburn-wood - A Song
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