Wha is that at my Bower-Door by Robert Burns
A woman hears Findlay at her bower-door and questions why he has come so stealthily. She tells him to go away, warns that he will cause mischief before morning, and says that if she admits him he will keep her awake with his noise. Findlay persistently asks to be let in and agrees to every suggestion that he will stay through the night and until daylight. The woman fears that, if Findlay remains in her bower, he will learn the way there and return again. Findlay readily promises that he will. Finally, she says that whatever happens within the bower must be concealed for life, and Findlay agrees.
By Robert Burns · First published 1790 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Scottish Vernacular Poetry, Love Poetry · 322 words
First lines
Tune-"Lass, an I come near thee."
"Wha is that at my bower-door? " / "O wha is it but Findlay! " / "Then gae your gate, ye'se nae be here: " / "Indeed maun I," quo' Findlay; / "What mak' ye, sae like a thief? " / "O come and see," quo' Findlay; / "Before the morn ye'll work mischief: " / "Indeed will I," quo' Findlay.
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — A short, rhythmic verse focused on a single intimate encounter, using repetition, rhyme, and musical phrasing.
- Scottish Vernacular Poetry — Burns writes in Scots dialect, employing forms such as 'wha,' 'gae,' 'maun,' and 'quo,' rooted in Scottish speech and literary tradition.
- Love Poetry — The poem centers on flirtation, sexual attraction, and the implied consent of two lovers arranging a secret meeting.
- Erotic Poetry — Its dialogue uses suggestive euphemism and escalating innuendo to imply a sexual encounter within the woman's bower.
Tags
Scottish vernacular poetry · eighteenth-century Scotland · dialogue poem · song lyric · courtship · seduction · sexual innuendo · clandestine meeting · nighttime encounter · bower setting · doorstep conversation · persistent suitor
What this Textopian page supports
Wha is that at my Bower-Door is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1790 CE.
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: 1790 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Scottish Vernacular Poetry, Love Poetry, Erotic Poetry, Ballad
- Length: 322 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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