Poem by Robert Burns: 'The Cares of Love'

Introduction:: Written in 1788 while living at Ellisland farm where he wrote many of his poems.
Image Rights Holder:: National Trust for Scotland
Ref:: BMT373.02
Project:: 618:The Burns Manuscripts at Alloway
What:: Poem by Robert Burns: The Cares of Love
Subject:: The Poet's reflection on the theme; the cares of Love, wrought perhaps from his reputedly wide experience of the subject.
Who:: Robert Burns (1759-1796) (author)
When:: 1788 (year of composition)
Where:: The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire
Background:: The Poet's reflection on the theme; the cares of Love, wrought perhaps from his reputedly wide experience of the subject.
Description:: The opening stanza, on the cares of love, are written from a man's perspective: 'The cares o' Love are sweeter far, Than onie other pleasure; And if sae dear its sorrows are, Enjoyment, what a treasure!'. The closing stanza, on the cares of love, are from a woman's perspective: 'I fear to try, I dare na try, A passion sae ensnaring; For light's her heart and blyth's her song, That for nae man is caring.'

Poem by Robert Burns: The Cares of Love