To John Taylor
By Robert Burns
With Pegasus upon a day,
Apollo weary flying,
Through frosty hills the journey lay,
On foot the way was plying,
Poor slip-shod giddy Pegasus
Was but a sorry walker;
To Vulcan then Apollo goes,
To get a frosty calker.
Obliging Vulcan fell to work,
Threw by his coat and bonnet,
And did Sol’s business in a crack;
Sol paid him with a sonnet.
Ye Vulcan’s sons of Wanlockhead,
Pity my sad disaster;
My Pegasus is poorly shod -
I’ll pay you like my master.
Poem Analysis:
"To John Taylor," a poem by Robert Burns, showcases his characteristic wit, humor, and craftsmanship in verse. The poem narrates a playful tale involving the mythological figures Apollo, Pegasus, and Vulcan, cleverly intertwined with Burns's own plea for assistance. This piece is rich in mythological references, practical humor, and a subtle commentary on the nature of artistic inspiration and support.
Themes
- Mythology and Humor: The poem draws on Greek mythology, featuring Apollo, the god of the sun and music, and Pegasus, his winged horse. Burns employs these mythological figures humorously to depict a mundane issue: Pegasus needing better horseshoes to navigate frosty terrain. This blend of high mythology with everyday concerns creates a humorous contrast.
- The Artist's Struggle: Burns subtly comments on the struggles faced by artists. Apollo, despite his divine status, faces a practical problem that hinders his journey. This can be seen as a metaphor for the artist’s journey, often impeded by mundane issues that require the help of others.
- Collaboration and Support: The poem emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support in creative endeavors. Apollo seeks help from Vulcan, the god of fire and metalworking, illustrating how even gods (or artists) need assistance from skilled craftsmen. Burns extends this plea for support to his own circumstances, seeking help from the “Vulcan’s sons of Wanlockhead,” a community known for its metalworking.
- Payment through Art: Apollo pays Vulcan with a sonnet, suggesting that art and creativity are valuable currencies. Burns humorously implies that he, too, will repay any assistance with his poetic talents, reinforcing the idea that art can serve as a form of recompense and appreciation.
Imagery and Symbolism
- Pegasus: Pegasus, traditionally a symbol of poetic inspiration and freedom, is depicted humorously as "poor slip-shod giddy," struggling to walk through frosty hills. This imagery symbolizes the challenges artists face, even those with great creative power.
- Apollo and Vulcan: Apollo represents the artist or poet, while Vulcan, the practical craftsman, symbolizes the essential support systems that enable artistic pursuits. Their interaction highlights the interplay between creative inspiration and practical skill.
- Frosty Hills: The frosty hills serve as a metaphor for obstacles and hardships in the journey of creation. Just as Apollo's journey is impeded by difficult terrain, an artist's path can be hindered by various practical difficulties.
Structure and Tone
- Ballad Form: The poem is structured in a ballad form, with quatrains and a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB), lending it a rhythmic and musical quality. This form is well-suited for storytelling and enhances the poem’s narrative flow.
- Lighthearted Tone: Burns maintains a lighthearted and playful tone throughout the poem. The humorous depiction of mythological figures dealing with practical issues creates a whimsical atmosphere that entertains while conveying deeper themes.
- Direct Address: The direct address to the “Vulcan’s sons of Wanlockhead” personalizes the poem, making it a specific plea rather than a general story. This technique draws the reader into Burns’s world and makes the plea for assistance more immediate and relatable.
Emotional and Cultural Context
- Personal Plea: Burns’s plea to John Taylor and the metalworkers of Wanlockhead is both humorous and sincere. It reflects the poet’s real-life reliance on the support of patrons and skilled workers to sustain his artistic endeavors.
- Cultural References: The reference to Wanlockhead, a Scottish village known for its mining and metalworking, grounds the mythological tale in a real cultural context. This blend of the local and the mythological adds depth to the poem and highlights Burns's connection to his Scottish roots.
"To John Taylor" by Robert Burns is a masterful blend of humor, mythology, and personal plea. Through the playful narrative of Apollo and Pegasus, Burns explores the practical challenges faced by artists and the essential role of collaboration and support. The poem's lighthearted tone, vivid imagery, and rhythmic structure make it an engaging and thought-provoking piece. Burns's ability to weave mythological elements with everyday concerns underscores his talent for making the grand accessible and the mundane entertaining, reinforcing his status as a poet of both depth and wit.
