Explore "Inscription to Chloris" by Robert Burns on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Written on the blank leaf of a copy of the last edition of my poems, presented to the Lady whom, in so many fictitious reveries of passion, but with the most ardent sentiments of real friendship, I have so often sung under the name of-"Chloris. "[1]
[1]: Miss Lorimer.
'Tis Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Friend, / Nor thou the gift refuse, / Nor with unwilling ear attend / The moralising Muse.
Since thou, in all thy youth and charms, / Must bid the world adieu, / (A world 'gainst Peace in constant arms) / To join the Friendly Few.
Since, thy gay morn of life o'ercast, / Chill came the tempest's lour; / (And ne'er Misfortune's eastern blast / Did nip a fairer flower.)
Since life's gay scenes must charm no more, / Still much is left behind, / Still nobler wealth hast thou in store- / The comforts of the mind!
Thine is the self-approving glow, / Of conscious Honour's part; / And (dearest gift of Heaven below) / Thine Friendship's truest heart.
The joys refin'd of Sense and Taste, / With every Muse to rove: / And doubly were the Poet blest, / These joys could he improve. / R. B.