'Here 's A Health To Them That's Awa' by Robert Burns


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Here's a health to them that's awa,
Here's a health to them that's awa
And wha winna wish guid luck to our cause,
May never guid luck be their fa'!
It's guid to be merry and wise,
It's guid to be honest and true,
It's guid to support Caledonia's cause
And bide by the buff and the blue.

Here's a health to them that's awa,
Here's a health to them that's awa!
Here's a health to Charlie, the chief o' the clan,
Altho that his band be sma'!
May Liberty meet wi success,
May Prudence protect her frae evil!
May tyrants and Tyranny tine i' the mist
And wander their way to the Devil!

Here's a health to them that's awa,
Here's a health to them that's awa;
Here's a health to Tammie, the Norlan' laddie,
That lives at the lug o' the Law!
Here's freedom to thern that wad read,
Here's freedom to them that would write!
There's nane ever fear'd that the truth should be heard,
But they whom the truth would indite!

Here's a health to them that's awa,
An here's to them that's awa!
Here's to Maitland and Wycombe! let wha does na like 'em
Be built in a hole in the wa'!
Here's timmer that's red at the heart,
Here's fruit that is sound at the core,
And may he that wad turn the buff and blue coat
Be turn'd to the back o' the door!

Here's a health to them that's awa,
Here's a health to them that's awa,
Here's Chieftain M'Leod, a chieftain worth gowd,
Tho' bred amang mountains o' snaw!
Here's friends on baith sides o' the Firth,
And friends on baith sides o' the Tweed,
And wha wad betray old Albion's right,
May they never eat of her bread!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" by Robert Burns: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Burns is one of the most renowned poets of all time, with his works still resonating with modern audiences. One of his most famous poems is "Here's A Health To Them That's Awa." This poem is an ode to friends and loved ones who have left, with Burns wishing them a safe journey. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, language, and stylistic devices used in the poem, to gain a better understanding of its significance.

Overview of the Poem

"Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, with each stanza having six lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABABCC, with the first four rhyming lines being written in iambic tetrameter, while the last two lines of each stanza are in iambic trimeter. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective, with Burns using it to create a rhythmic flow that enhances the poem's emotional resonance.

Themes

One of the primary themes in "Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" is the transience of life. Burns acknowledges that life is fleeting and that he may never see his friends and loved ones again. However, he chooses to celebrate their departure rather than mourn it, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the time spent together. This theme is encapsulated in the poem's opening line, "Here's a health to them that's awa, / Here's a health to them that's awa." The repetition of the phrase "that's awa" emphasizes the idea that people come and go in life, and the importance of celebrating their journey, rather than being sad about their departure.

Another theme in the poem is friendship. Burns highlights the importance of true friendship, which transcends time and distance. He acknowledges that even though his friends and loved ones may be far away, their memories remain with him forever. This idea is expressed in the line, "But since it falls, that man must be / The victim of misfortune's glee; / And every hour that fleets away / Is lost to something dearer than they." Burns recognizes that every moment spent with his friends is precious, and he cherishes those moments, even though they may be fleeting.

Language

Burns's use of language in "Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" is simple yet effective. He uses colloquial language, making the poem accessible to a broader audience. However, beneath the simple language lies a deep emotional resonance that captures the reader's heart. Burns uses metaphors to convey his message, such as "The moon on the ocean was dimm'd by a wave," which represents the fleeting nature of life. He also uses personification, such as "Misfortune's glee," to convey the idea that life is unpredictable and sometimes cruel.

The poem's language is also imbued with a sense of nostalgia, with Burns looking back at the happy moments spent with his friends. This nostalgia is evident in the line, "Oh! never again shall we see them, / Oh! never again shall we see them," where Burns laments that he may never see his friends again. The repetition of the phrase "oh never again" emphasizes the poet's sense of loss and longing, highlighting the emotional depth of the poem.

Stylistic Devices

Burns utilizes various stylistic devices in "Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" to convey his message effectively. One of the most prominent is repetition, which creates a rhythmic flow that enhances the poem's emotional resonance. The repetition of phrases such as "that's awa" and "oh never again" emphasizes the poem's themes of transience and nostalgia, creating a sense of melancholy that tugs at the reader's heartstrings.

Another stylistic device used by Burns is imagery. He uses vivid descriptions such as "the moon on the ocean was dimm'd by a wave" to create a powerful visual image that reinforces the poem's ideas. This imagery helps the reader to connect with the emotions expressed in the poem, making it more relatable and poignant.

Interpretation

"Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" is a celebration of life and friendship, encapsulating the idea that time spent with loved ones is precious and should be cherished. Burns acknowledges the fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the journey, rather than lamenting its end. The poem's simple yet effective language, coupled with its rhythmic flow and powerful imagery, makes it a timeless ode to friendship and the transience of life.

The poem's universal themes make it relevant even to modern audiences, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the moments spent with our loved ones. Its emotional resonance tugs at the heartstrings, reminding us of the power of true friendship, which transcends time and distance. In conclusion, "Here's A Health To Them That's Awa" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of life and friendship, making it one of Robert Burns's most enduring works.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Here's a Health to Them That's Awa: A Classic Poem by Robert Burns

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry that captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition. One of his most famous poems, "Here's a Health to Them That's Awa," is a tribute to the friends and loved ones who have left us, and a celebration of the memories and experiences we shared with them.

The poem begins with a toast to those who have departed, "Here's a health to them that's awa, / Here's a health to them that's awa; / Here's a health to Charlie, the chief o' the clan, / Although that his band be few." The speaker acknowledges the absence of these individuals, but also recognizes their importance and impact on his life. The reference to Charlie, the chief of the clan, is a nod to the Scottish tradition of clan loyalty and the importance of family and community.

The second stanza continues the theme of remembrance and celebration, "May I never forget in the land o' the leal, / The friends I hae met in the morning; / Forgetting them aye, to forgive them I fear, / For the heart's memory rins aye the clearer." The speaker reflects on the importance of remembering those who have left us, and the impact they have had on our lives. The phrase "land o' the leal" refers to the afterlife, and the idea that our loved ones are in a better place.

The third stanza is a tribute to the memories and experiences shared with those who have departed, "Here's a health to them that's awa, / Here's a health to them that's awa; / Here's a chiel to the friends that we ken, / And the days that we've seen thegither." The speaker raises a glass to the memories and experiences shared with these individuals, and acknowledges the importance of these shared moments in shaping who we are.

The fourth stanza is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life, "Here's a health to them that's awa, / And here's to the leal hearts that would be here, / But that death has twined them away." The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death, and the impact it has on our lives. However, the focus remains on the celebration of life and the memories shared with those who have left us.

The final stanza is a call to action, "O, what is like the honest heart? / It's like the sun in the firmament; / For ever it shines, and it ne'er grows dark, / Although that the cloud o' the day be rent." The speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, and the impact it has on our lives and the lives of those around us. The reference to the sun in the firmament is a metaphor for the enduring nature of these qualities, and the importance of striving to embody them in our own lives.

Overall, "Here's a Health to Them That's Awa" is a celebration of life, love, and the memories and experiences shared with those who have left us. The poem captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition, with its references to clan loyalty and the importance of community. It is a timeless tribute to the enduring impact of those who have touched our lives, and a reminder to cherish the memories and experiences we share with them.

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