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The Farewell

by Robert Burns, 1786

Farewell, old Scotia's bleak domains,
Far dearer than the torrid plains,
  Where rich ananas blow!
Farewell, a mother's blessing dear!
A borther's sigh! a sister's tear!
  My Jean's heart-rending throe!
Farewell, my Bess! tho' thou'rt bereft
  Of my paternal care.
A faithful brother I have left,
  My part in him thou'lt share!
    Adieu, too, to you too,
      My Smith, my bosom frien';
    When kindly you mind me,
      O then befriend my Jean!

What bursting anguish tears my heart;
From thee, my Jeany, must I part!
  Thou, weeping, answ'rest—"No!"
Alas! misfortune stares my face,
And points to ruin and disgrace,
  I for thy sake must go!
Thee, Hamilton, and Aiken dear,
  A grateful, warm adieu:
I, with a much-indebted tear,
  Shall still remember you!
    All hail then, the gale then,
      Wafts me from thee, dear shore!
    It rustles, and whistles
      I'll never see thee more!

Published in Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
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