Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 43. Song—O Leave Novels! |
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| O LEAVE novels, 1 ye Mauchline belles, | |
| Ye’re safer at your spinning-wheel; | |
| Such witching books are baited hooks | |
| For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel; | |
| Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons, | 5 |
| They make your youthful fancies reel; | |
| They heat your brains, and fire your veins, | |
| And then you’re prey for Rob Mossgiel. | |
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| Beware a tongue that’s smoothly hung, | |
| A heart that warmly seems to feel; | 10 |
| That feeling heart but acts a part— | |
| ’Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel. | |
| The frank address, the soft caress, | |
| Are worse than poisoned darts of steel; | |
| The frank address, and politesse, | 15 |
| Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel. | |
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