To Chloris (Poem by Robert Burns)

To Chloris

By Robert Burns

’Tis Friendship’s pledge, my young, fair friend,

    Nor thou the gift refuse,

Nor with unwilling ear attend

    The moralizing muse.

Since thou in all thy youth and charms,

    Must bid the world adieu,

(A world ‘gainst peace in constant arms)

    To join the friendly few.

Since, thy gay morn of life o’ercast,

    Chill came the tempest’s lower;

(And ne’er misfortune’s eastern blast

    Did nip a fairer flower.)

Since life’s gay scenes must charm no more,

    Still much is left behind;

Still nobler wealth hast thou in store — 

    The comforts of the mind!

Thine is the self-approving glow,

    On conscious honour’s part;

And, dearest gift of heaven below,

    Thine friendship’s truest heart.

The joys refin’d of sense and taste,

    With every muse to rove:

And doubly were the poet blest,

    These joys could he improve.

Poem Analysis:

"To Chloris" by Robert Burns is a poem that celebrates the enduring power of friendship and the comfort it brings in times of adversity. Through gentle persuasion and reflection, Burns implores his young friend, Chloris, to embrace the gift of friendship and the treasures it bestows upon the soul.

Opening and Invitation: The poem begins with Burns addressing Chloris as a "young, fair friend" and extends to her a pledge of friendship. He urges her not to refuse this gift and encourages her to listen to his words of wisdom.

Acknowledgment of Life’s Challenges: Burns acknowledges the challenges and trials that Chloris has faced, noting that her youth and beauty have been overshadowed by the adversities of life. He refers to the metaphorical "tempest" that has clouded her "gay morn of life," emphasizing the harshness of misfortune.

Finding Comfort in Friendship: Despite life’s difficulties, Burns reassures Chloris that there is still much to cherish and be grateful for. He emphasizes the enduring value of true friendship, which provides solace and support even in the darkest of times.

Treasures of the Mind: Burns suggests that while Chloris may have lost the pleasures of youth and physical beauty, she possesses a wealth of inner resources. He extols the virtues of self-approval, conscious honor, and the genuine warmth of friendship, which he considers to be the "truest heart" and "noble wealth" of life.

Refinement of the Senses and Imagination: In addition to the comforts of the mind, Burns highlights the joys of refined senses and artistic pursuits. He speaks of the pleasure derived from engaging with the muses and the potential for even greater happiness if one could fully appreciate and enhance these joys.

Closing Reflection: Burns concludes by expressing a wish for Chloris to fully embrace the gifts of friendship and the refined pleasures of life. He suggests that if he were able to enhance these joys through his poetry, he would be doubly blessed.

In summary, "To Chloris" is a heartfelt poem in which Robert Burns encourages his friend to find solace and joy in the enduring bonds of friendship and the treasures of the mind. Through gentle persuasion and reflection, Burns reminds Chloris of the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life.