Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Verses to a Young Lady

Robert Burns

“Verses to a Young Lady” as printed in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 484 1887 · historical text
Public domainScottish songSong lyrics
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Poetical Works of Robert Burns, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Here, where the Scotish Muse immortal lives,

In sacred strains and tuneful numbers join'd,

Accept the gift; tho' humble he who gives,

Rich is the tribute of the grateful mind.

Verse 2

So may no ruffian-feeling in thy breast

Discordant jar thy bosom-chords among!

But Peace attune thy gentle soul to rest,

Or Love, ecstatic, wake his seraph song!

Verse 3

Or Pity's notes, in luxury of tears,

As modest Want the tale of woe reveals;

While conscious Virtue all the strain endears,

And heaven-born Piety her sanction seals!

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns. Historical text published in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887), “Verses to a Young Lady”

Every text in this 1887 collected edition is by Robert Burns (1759-1796), who died more than 230 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination and a pre-1931 United States publication.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
Keep tracing

More from Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics.

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