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The gloomy night is gath'ring fast

Key details

Archive number
NTS/02/25/BRN/02/180
Alt. number
3.6275.b
Date
1786
On display
No
Creator
Burns, Robert (Author)
Recipient
Stewart, Mrs Alexander

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Description

The gloomy night is gath'ring fast, part of the Stair manuscript collection.

This poem was written by Burns at a time in 1786 when he had arranged to emigrate to Jamaica and was the one which he expected to be "my last song I should ever measure in Caledonia". He is in a mood of depression as he contemplates his farming and other domestic problems which had led to his decision to leave his native soil.

In the first page Burns describes walking along the Banks of the river Ayr, the heavy clouds threaten rain and the harvest is late and wind-torn. He reflects on the dangers of his planned voyage at sea or on landing and contemplates the peace of mind that death would bring.

In this final page Burns continues to express his personal heartrending hurt and in his mind says farewell to the Ayrshire landscape and bids adieu to friends and foes alike in tearful reconciliation.

Before the success of the Kilmarnock edition of his poems was realised, Burns was all set to go to Jamaica to aid his fortunes. On leaving his friend Rev. Dr George Lawrie's house he was filled with foreboding and melancholy. As usual at this time he transferred his mood to perspicacious verse.

Archive information


Hierarchy

  1. Robert Burns, collection of poems and songs ( )
  2. The gloomy night is gath'ring fast

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