Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 459. Sonnet on the Death of Robert Riddell |
| | | | | Of Glenriddell and Friars’ Carse. |
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| NO more, ye warblers of the wood! no more; | |
| Nor pour your descant grating on my soul; | |
| Thou young-eyed Spring! gay in thy verdant stole, | |
| More welcome were to me grim Winter’s wildest roar. | |
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| How can ye charm, ye flowers, with all your dyes? | 5 |
| Ye blow upon the sod that wraps my friend! | |
| How can I to the tuneful strain attend? | |
| That strain flows round the untimely tomb where Riddell lies. | |
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| Yes, pour, ye warblers! pour the notes of woe, | |
| And soothe the Virtues weeping o’er his bier: | 10 |
| The man of worth—and hath not left his peer! | |
| Is in his “narrow house,” for ever darkly low. | |
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| Thee, Spring! again with joy shall others greet; | |
| Me, memory of my loss will only meet. | |
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