'Lass That Made the Bed to Me, The' by Robert Burns
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When Januar' wind was blawing cauld,
As to the north I took my way,
The mirksome night did me enfauld,
I knew na whare to lodge till day:
By my gude luck a maid I met,
Just in the middle o' my care,
And Kindly she did me invite
To walk into a chamber fair.
I bow'd fu' low unto this maid,
And thank'd her for her courtesie;
I bow'd fu' low unto this maid,
An bade her make a bed to me;
She made the bed baith large and wide,
Wi' twa white hands she spread it doun;
She put the cup to her rosy lips,
And drank - "Young man, now sleep ye soun'."
Chorus -The bonie lass made the bed to me,
The braw lass made the bed to me,
I'll ne'er forget till the day I die,
The lass that made the bed to me.
She snatch'd the candle in her hand,
And frae my chamber went wi' speed;
But I call'd her quickly back again,
To lay some mair below my head:
A cod she laid below my head,
And served me with due respect,
And, to salute her wi' a kis,
I put my arms about her neck.
Chorus: -...
"Haud aff your hands, young man! she said,
"And dinna sae uncivil be;
Gif ye hae ony luve for me,
O wrang ma my virginitie."
Her hair was like the links o' gowd,
Her teeth were like the ivorie,
Her cheeks like lilies dipt in wine,
The lass that made the bed to me.
Chorus: -...
Her bosom was the driven snaw,
Twa drifted heaps sae fair to see;
Her limbs the polish'd marble stane,
The lass that made the bed to me.
I kiss'd her o'er and o'er again,
And aye she wist na what to say:
I laid her 'tween me and the wa';
The lassie thocht na lang till day.
Chorus: -...
Upon the morrow when we raise,
I thank'd her for her courtesie;
But aye she blush'd and aye she sigh'd,
And said, "Alas, ye've ruin'd me."
I clasp'd her waist, and kiss'd her syne,
While the tear stood twinklin' in her e'e;
I said, "My lassie, dinna cry,
For ye aye shall make the bed to me."
Chorus: - ...
She took her mither's holland sheets,
An' made them a' in sarks to me;
Blythe and merry may she be,
The lass that made the bed to me.
Chorus: -...
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Lass That Made the Bed to Me: A Classic Poem That Stands the Test of Time
As a literary critic, it's always interesting to dive into a work of poetry that has stood the test of time. Robert Burns' "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a perfect example of such a poem. From its language to its themes, this piece is a masterful portrayal of love, loss, and longing. In this essay, I will explore the different interpretations and literary elements present in this classic poem.
Historical Context
Before delving into the poem, it's important to understand the context in which Robert Burns wrote it. Burns was a Scottish poet who lived in the late 18th century. He was a farmer and an exciseman, and his works often reflected the struggles and joys of rural life. "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" was written in 1792 and was first published in "The Scots Musical Museum," a collection of Scottish folk songs and ballads.
At the time, Scotland was going through a period of political and social turmoil. The country had recently lost its independence to England, and many Scots were struggling to maintain their identity and culture in the face of English domination. Burns' poetry often addressed these issues, and "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is no exception.
Language and Structure
One of the most striking things about this poem is its language. Burns wrote in the Scottish dialect, which gives the poem a unique flavor and adds to its authenticity. The dialect can be challenging for modern readers, but it's worth taking the time to decipher it, as it adds depth and richness to the poem.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. It's written in ballad form, with four-line stanzas and a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure is reminiscent of traditional Scottish folk songs, which is fitting given the poem's origin in "The Scots Musical Museum." The simplicity of the structure allows the poem's themes and emotions to shine through without being bogged down by ornate language or complicated syntax.
Theme: Love and Loss
At its core, "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a poem about love and loss. The speaker is reminiscing about a past love affair, and the memories are bittersweet. He remembers the lass who made the bed to him, and the happiness they shared together. But he also acknowledges that their love was fleeting, and that he has lost her forever.
The poem is filled with poignant lines that capture the speaker's emotions. For example, in the second stanza, he says, "I fee'd a lad at Martinmas, Wi' airle-pennies three; But a' the faut I had to him, He couldna' labour sairer for me." Here, the speaker is expressing his regret that he didn't value his love more when he had it. He compares his love to a hired hand who worked hard for him, but whom he didn't appreciate until it was too late.
Another powerful line comes in the final stanza, when the speaker says, "The day comes on wi'crimson tide, And I maun mount and ride." Here, he is acknowledging that he must move on from his lost love and continue with his life, even though it pains him to do so.
Theme: Scottish Identity
In addition to the theme of love and loss, "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" also touches on issues of Scottish identity. The speaker describes his love as a "lassie from the north," which suggests that she is from a different part of Scotland than the speaker himself. This distinction is important because it highlights the diversity of Scottish culture and the importance of regional identity.
The poem also includes references to Scottish customs and traditions. In the third stanza, the speaker mentions the "clasping pint," which is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel. This reference serves to reinforce the Scottishness of the poem and add to its authenticity.
Interpretation
As with any work of literature, "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" can be interpreted in many different ways. One interpretation is that the poem is a lament for a lost love. The speaker is mourning the end of a relationship that brought him happiness, and he is struggling to come to terms with the fact that it's over.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the fleeting nature of love. The speaker is acknowledging that love is a temporary thing, and that even the happiest of relationships can come to an end. This interpretation is supported by lines such as "But pleasures are like poppies spread, You seize the flow'r, its bloom is shed." Here, the speaker is comparing love to a flower that blooms briefly and then fades away.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a meditation on the nature of identity. The speaker is acknowledging that his love was from a different part of Scotland, and that this difference is important. This interpretation suggests that the poem is not just about a lost love, but about the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating regional identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its language, structure, and themes are all masterfully crafted, and the poem continues to resonate with readers today. Whether interpreting it as a lament for lost love, a commentary on the fleeting nature of love, or a meditation on the importance of regional identity, there is no doubt that "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a powerful and timeless work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The poetry of Robert Burns is a treasure trove of Scottish culture and history. His works are a reflection of the times he lived in, and his poems are a testament to his love for his country and its people. One of his most famous works is the poem "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me," which is a beautiful ode to love and passion.
The poem is a narrative of a man who is reminiscing about a night of passion he had with a beautiful lass. The poem is written in the Scottish dialect, which adds to its charm and authenticity. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which is a reflection of the man's thoughts and feelings.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The man is lying in bed, thinking about the lass who made the bed for him. He describes her as "bonnie," which is a Scottish word for beautiful. He also mentions that she is "kindly," which suggests that she was a gentle and caring person.
The second stanza of the poem is where the man starts to reminisce about the night he spent with the lass. He describes how she "lay down by my side," and how they "clasped and kissed." The language used in this stanza is very sensual and passionate, which adds to the romanticism of the poem.
The third stanza of the poem is where the man starts to express his love for the lass. He says that he "swore to be her slave," which suggests that he is willing to do anything for her. He also says that he will "love her till the day I die," which shows the depth of his feelings for her.
The final stanza of the poem is where the man reflects on the night he spent with the lass. He says that he "never felt sic love before," which suggests that the night was a very special one for him. He also says that he wishes he could "live that night again," which shows how much he enjoyed the experience.
Overall, "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and passion. The language used in the poem is very poetic and romantic, which adds to its charm. The poem is also a reflection of the times in which Burns lived, where love and passion were celebrated and cherished.
In conclusion, Robert Burns was a master of poetry, and "The Lass That Made the Bed to Me" is a testament to his talent. The poem is a beautiful ode to love and passion, and it captures the essence of Scottish culture and history. The poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to experience the beauty of Burns' work.
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