But, oh! fell death's untimely frost, That nipt my flower sae early.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker mourns a young life cut short by death, comparing the person to a flower killed too soon.
- In plain terms
- Death came early and took away someone young and full of life.
- What can you take from it?
- Early death leaves deep grief for those left behind.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we cope with loss that feels premature?
- What does early death say about the value of life?
Another view
It focuses only on sorrow without offering hope or resilience.
More from Robert Burns
The golden Hours on angel wings Flew o'er me and my Dearie; For dear to me as light and life Was my sweet Highland Mary.
Permalink to quote #41 O whistle, and I'll come to you, my lad: Tho' father and mither and a' should gae mad.
Permalink to quote #43 She is a winsome wee thing, She is a handsome wee thing, She is a lo'esome wee thing, This sweet wee wife o' mine.
Permalink to quote #40
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