'Bonnie Lesley' by Robert Burns


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O saw ye bonnie Lesley
As she gaed o'er the Border?
She's gane, like Alexander,
To spread her conquests farther.

To see her is to love her,
And love but her for ever;
For Nature made her what she is,
And ne'er made sic anither!

Thou art a queen, fair Lesley,
Thy subjects we, before thee;
Thou art divine, fair Lesley,
The hearts o' men adore thee.

The Deil he could'na scaith thee,
Or aught that wad belang thee;
He'd look into thy bonnie face,
And say "I canna wrang thee!"

The Powers aboon will tent thee;
Misfortune sha'na steer thee;
Thou'rt like themsel' sae lovely
That ill they'll ne'er let near thee.

Return again, fair Lesley,
Return to Caledonie!
That we may brag we hae a lass
There's nane again sae bonnie!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bonnie Lesley by Robert Burns: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever come across a poem that pulled at your heartstrings and left you feeling nostalgic? A poem that transports you to a different time and place, making you feel like you're a part of it all? For me, that poem is "Bonnie Lesley" by Robert Burns.

Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, wrote "Bonnie Lesley" in 1792. It is a love poem that tells the story of a young man's unrequited love for a beautiful girl named Lesley. The poem is also known as "The Fairest Maid on Devon's Banks" and is one of Burns' most popular works.

At its core, "Bonnie Lesley" is a poem about the pain of unrequited love. Burns uses vivid imagery and emotive language to capture the young man's feelings of longing and heartbreak. He describes Lesley as a "rose in dew" and a "lily in the glen," highlighting her beauty and purity. Burns also uses nature imagery to foreshadow the young man's sadness, describing how the birds and flowers will mourn his unrequited love.

As the poem progresses, Burns delves deeper into the young man's emotions. He shows us how the young man feels rejected and alone, despite his love for Lesley. He compares his love to a "tender flower" that has been trampled on, highlighting the pain and hurt that he feels. Burns also uses repetition in the poem, with the line "my dear, my lovely Lesley" appearing several times throughout. This repetition emphasises the young man's love for Lesley and his desperation to be with her.

What I find most striking about "Bonnie Lesley" is its use of language. Burns' writing is emotive and vivid, bringing the poem to life. He uses metaphors and similes to create a sense of beauty and wonder, describing Lesley as a "rose in dew" and a "lily in the glen." This use of language adds depth to the poem and helps to create a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Additionally, Burns' use of nature imagery is particularly effective in "Bonnie Lesley." By using images of the natural world, he creates a sense of timelessness and universality. The birds and flowers that mourn the young man's unrequited love are timeless symbols of beauty and innocence. This adds to the poem's sense of nostalgia and makes it relatable to readers from all walks of life.

Overall, "Bonnie Lesley" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the pain of unrequited love. Burns' use of emotive language and vivid imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It is no wonder that this poem has stood the test of time and remains one of Burns' most beloved works.

One can only wonder what inspired Burns to write such a masterpiece. Was it a personal experience? A story he heard? Whatever the inspiration, one thing is for sure - "Bonnie Lesley" is a testament to Burns' skill as a poet and his ability to capture the beauty and pain of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bonnie Lesley: A Timeless Poem by Robert Burns

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry. One of his most famous poems, Bonnie Lesley, is a beautiful tribute to a woman he loved. The poem is a perfect example of Burns' ability to capture the essence of love and beauty in his writing. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

Bonnie Lesley is a poem about a woman named Lesley, who is described as "bonnie" or beautiful. Burns begins the poem by describing the beauty of the woman, saying "O saw ye bonnie Lesley, as she gaed o'er the Border?" The use of the word "bonnie" is a Scottish term for beautiful, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Burns goes on to describe Lesley's physical appearance, saying "She's gane, like Alexander, to spread her conquests farther." This line compares Lesley to Alexander the Great, who was known for his conquests and victories. Burns is saying that Lesley's beauty is so great that it is like a conqueror, spreading its influence far and wide.

The poem then takes a more romantic turn, as Burns describes his feelings for Lesley. He says, "To see her is to love her, and love but her forever." This line is a testament to the power of love, and how it can be all-consuming. Burns is saying that once you see Lesley, you cannot help but fall in love with her, and that love will last forever. This is a common theme in Burns' poetry, as he often writes about the power of love and how it can overcome all obstacles.

The imagery in Bonnie Lesley is also worth noting. Burns uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Lesley in the reader's mind. He says, "Her smile, the dew o' sweet May, while nature wants nae embellishing." This line compares Lesley's smile to the dew on a spring morning, which is a beautiful and natural image. Burns is saying that Lesley's beauty is natural and needs no embellishment, as it is already perfect. He also uses the image of a rose to describe Lesley's beauty, saying "Her een, sae bonnie blue, betray her soul wi' love." This line compares Lesley's eyes to a blue rose, which is a rare and beautiful flower. Burns is saying that Lesley's eyes reveal her love and passion, just as a rose reveals its beauty.

The language in Bonnie Lesley is also notable. Burns uses a mix of Scottish dialect and English to create a unique and authentic voice. He uses words like "gaed" instead of "went" and "nae" instead of "no" to give the poem a Scottish flavor. This adds to the charm and authenticity of the poem, as it feels like a true expression of Burns' love for Lesley. Burns also uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases, such as "bonnie Lesley" and "love but her forever." This repetition creates a musical quality to the poem, which is fitting for a poem about love.

In conclusion, Bonnie Lesley is a timeless poem that captures the essence of love and beauty. Burns' use of imagery, language, and themes creates a vivid and romantic portrait of a woman he loved. The poem is a testament to the power of love and how it can inspire great poetry. Burns' ability to capture the beauty of Scotland and its people is also evident in this poem, as he uses Scottish dialect and imagery to create an authentic voice. Bonnie Lesley is a classic poem that will continue to inspire and enchant readers for generations to come.

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