389. Song—Duncan Gray

Read '389. Song—Duncan Gray' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

389. Song—Duncan Gray by Robert Burns

 DUNCAN GRAY cam’ here to woo,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t,
On blythe Yule-night when we were fou,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t,
Maggie coost her head fu’ heigh,
Look’d asklent and unco skeigh,
Gart poor Duncan stand abeigh;
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.


Duncan fleech’d and Duncan pray’d;
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t,
Meg was deaf as Ailsa Craig,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t:
Duncan sigh’d baith out and in,
Grat his e’en baith blear’t an’ blin’,
Spak o’ lowpin o’er a linn;
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.


Time and Chance are but a tide,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t,
Slighted love is sair to bide,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t:
Shall I like a fool, quoth he,
For a haughty hizzie die?
She may gae to—France for me!
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.


How it comes let doctors tell,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t;
Meg grew sick, as he grew hale,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.
Something in her bosom wrings,
For relief a sigh she brings:
And oh! her een they spak sic things!
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.


Duncan was a lad o’ grace,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t:
Maggie’s was a piteous case,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t:
Duncan could na be her death,
Swelling Pity smoor’d his wrath;
Now they’re crouse and canty baith,
 Ha, ha, the wooing o’t.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace