UNPUBLISHED BURNS POEM

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 5, 26 June 1930, Page 12

UNPUBLISHED BURNS POEM

What isi deelai-ctl to be an unpublished poem by ..Robert. Bui-ns ias 'been discovered in a remote settlement in N^nv Zealand. It was found "among the effects of the lato Mr. Donald Grant, Waikomaiti, CHago. The poem is'supposeH to ha^e beeii written by Burns on his deattibed. It is addressed to Miss Jessie Lewarsj, a friend and neighibour of the Burns family in Dumfries/ yrho attended the BaTd in ids 3agt- illness. Among the. verses ara the following: — ' Howen often in, the dreary night, I clasp niy burning frauds. Upon those throbbing sleepless lids, ' O'er eyes like g^lowing ibrands; And ironder in my weary 'brain. ■ If haply when- I'm dead, My old boon friends for love of me "Wild give my bairnies bread. Oh, did the poor not help the poor, Each in their simple way, "Witfit humble gift and kindly word, God pity them I say. For many a man who clasped my lhand, With pledges oCr the bowl, Wton the wine passed way,Proved but a niggard soul. Oh,s wilt thou gang o' nigihta, Jessie. To my forsaken hearth, And >be as thou thast been tome. The truest friend on earth? Sac sweetly in your linnet voice, You'll' sing my weans to rest, While Jeannie leans 2xer weary head Upon thy loving breast. —-Bolbert Burns.