The Banks of the Devon by Robert Burns
The speaker praises a beloved through the image of a flower beside the Devon, once a bud on the slopes above the Ayr, and wishes it gentle weather and protection from harm. This flower is declared fairer than Bourbon's lilies and England's rose.
By Robert Burns · Genre: Love Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Pastoral Poetry · 210 words
First lines
Tune-"Bhanarach dhonn a' chruidh."
How pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devon, / With green spreading bushes and flow'rs blooming fair! / But the boniest flow'r on the banks of the Devon / Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr. / Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower, / In the gay rosy morn, as it bathes in the dew; / And gentle the fall of the soft vernal shower, / That steals on the evening each leaf to renew!
Genres
- Love Poetry — The speaker expresses affection through a cherished flower and wishes for its protection.
- Lyric Poetry — Two rhymed stanzas express admiration and protective wishes, with an accompanying tune designation.
- Pastoral Poetry — Winding rivers, green valleys, flowering bushes, dew, and spring showers frame the speaker's praise.
Tags
affection · floral imagery · rivers · protective wishes · spring weather
What this Textopian page supports
The Banks of the Devon is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Love Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Pastoral Poetry
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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