026 Clarinda, Mistress Of My Soul

Tune: Clarinda

1.

Clarinda, mistress of my soul,

The measur'd time is run!

The wretch beneath the dreary pole

So marks his latest sun.

2.

To what dark cave of frozen night

Shall poor Sylvander hie,

Depriv'd of thee, his life and light,

The sun of all his joy?

3.

We part—but, by these precious drops

That fill thy lovely eyes,

No other light shall guide my steps

Till thy bright beams arise!

4.

She, the fair sun of all her sex,

Has blest my glorious day;

And shall a glimmering planet fix

My worship to its ray?

Notes

Title Clarinda, Mistress Of My Soul: Clarinda, My Soul's Mistress

This poem was a parting song to Mrs Mclehose when Burns was about to leave Edinburgh in 1788.

Stanza 1

Line 2 measur'd: measured, limited

Stanza 2

Line 2 Sylvander: pen name of Burns; hie: hasten, run quickly

Line 3 Depriv'd of: stripped

Stanza 3

Line 2 thy: your

Stanza 4

Line 2 blest: blessed