The Cares o' Love

Written in 1788 while living at Ellisland farm where he wrote many of his poems.

The opening stanza, on the cares of love, are written from a man's perspective: "The cares o' Love are sweeter far, Than onie other pleasure; And if sae dear its sorrows are, Enjoyment, what a treasure!". The closing stanza, on the cares of love, are from a woman's perspective: "I fear to try, I dare na try, A passion sae ensnaring; For light's her heart and blyth's her song, That for nae man is caring."

The Poet's reflection on the theme; the cares of Love, wrought perhaps from his reputedly wide experience of the subject.