Sketch. - New Year's Day. To Mrs. Dunlop. Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABCCDD EEFFGGHHCCIJ KKLMNOPPQQRRSSSTTUUV V WWCX YYZZA2B2This day Time winds th' exhausted chain | A |
To run the twelvemonth's length again | B |
I see the old bald pated follow | C |
With ardent eyes complexion sallow | C |
Adjust the unimpair'd machine | D |
To wheel the equal dull routine | D |
- | |
The absent lover minor heir | E |
In vain assail him with their prayer | E |
Deaf as my friend he sees them press | F |
Nor makes the hour one moment less | F |
Will you the Major's with the hounds | G |
The happy tenants share his rounds | G |
Coila's fair Rachel's care to day | H |
And blooming Keith's engaged with Gray | H |
From housewife cares a minute borrow | C |
That grandchild's cap will do to morrow | C |
And join with me a moralizing | I |
This day's propitious to be wise in | J |
- | |
First what did yesternight deliver | K |
Another year is gone for ever | K |
And what is this day's strong suggestion | L |
The passing moment's all we rest on | M |
Rest on for what what do we here | N |
Or why regard the passing year | O |
Will time amus'd with proverb'd lore | P |
Add to our date one minute more | P |
A few days more a few years must | Q |
Repose us in the silent dust | Q |
Then is it wise to damp our bliss | R |
Yes all such reasonings are amiss | R |
The voice of nature loudly cries | S |
And many a message from the skies | S |
That something in us never dies | S |
That on this frail uncertain state | T |
Hang matters of eternal weight | T |
That future life in worlds unknown | U |
Must take its hue from this alone | U |
Whether as heavenly glory bright | V |
Or dark as misery's woeful night | V |
- | |
Since then my honour'd first of friends | W |
On this poor being all depends | W |
Let us th' important now employ | C |
And live as those who never die | X |
- | |
Tho' you with days and honours crown'd | Y |
Witness that filial circle round | Y |
A sight life's sorrows to repulse | Z |
A sight pale envy to convulse | Z |
Others now claim your chief regard | A2 |
Yourself you wait your bright reward | B2 |
Robert Burns
(1)
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