The Poetry of Robert Burns Edited by William Ernest Henley and Thomas F. Henderson |
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O, LEAVE NOVÉLS |
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 | The Poetry of Robert Burns |  |
11
O, LEAVE NOVÉLS
I
O, leave novéls, ye Mauchline belles—Ye're safer at your spinning-wheel!
Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks like Rob Mossgiel.
II
Your fine Tom Jones and GrandisonsThey make your youthful fancies reel!
They heat your brains, and fire your veins,
And then you're prey for Rob Mossgiel.
III
Beware a tongue that's smoothly hung,A heart that warmly seems to feel!
That feeling heart but acts a part—
'Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel.
IV
The frank address, the soft caressAre worse than poisoned darts of steel:
The frank address and politesse
Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.
| The Poetry of Robert Burns | |