Explore "O Leave Novels" by Robert Burns on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Burns never published this poem.
O leave novels, 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, / They make your youthful fancies reel; / They heat your brains, and fire your veins, / And then you're prey for Rob Mossgiel.
Beware a tongue that's smoothly hung, / A heart that warmly seems to feel; / 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, / Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.