Robert Burns

Lovely Davies

O HOW shall I, unskilfu’, try
  The poet’s occupation?
The tunefu’ powers, in happy hours,
  That whisper inspiration-
Even they maun dare an effort mair,
  Than aught they ever gave us,
Or they rehearse, in equal verse,
  The charms o’ lovely Davies.

Each eye it cheers when she appears,
  Like Phoebus in the morning,
When past the shower, and ev’ry flower
  The garden is adorning.
As the wretch looks o’er Siberia’s shore,
  When winter-bound the wave is;
Sae droops our heart when we maun part
  Frae charming lovely Davies.

Her smile’s a gift frae ‘boon the lift
  That maks us mair than princes;
A scepter’d hand, a King’s command,
  Is in her darting glances:
The man in arms ‘gainst female charms,
  Even he her willing slave is;
He hugs his chain, and owns the reign
  Of conquering lovely Davies.

My Muse, to dream of such a theme,
  Thy feeble powers surrender!
The eagle’s gaze alone surveys
  The sun’s meridian splendour:
I wad in vain essay the strain,
  The deed too daring brave is;
I’ll drap the lyre, and mute admire
  The charms o’ lovely Davies.