Wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie, O, what a panic's in thy breastie! Thou need na start awa sae hasty, Wi' bickering brattle!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker addresses a small, frightened animal, noting its panic and advising it not to flee in haste.
- In plain terms
- Don't be so scared and run away quickly.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear often causes unnecessary panic.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we react to fear?
- Is panic ever useful?
Another view
It simplifies animal behavior to human emotion.
More from Robert Burns
Beauty's of a fading nature Has a season and is gone!
Permalink to quote #1 I'm truly sorry man's dominion Has broken Nature's social union.
Permalink to quote #3 The best laid schemes o' mice and men Gang aft a-gley; And leave us naught but grief and pain For promised joy.
Permalink to quote #4
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