Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
529 . SongHow cruel are the parents
H
Who riches only prize,
And to the wealthy booby
Poor Woman sacrifice!
Has but a choice of strife; To shun a tyrant Father’s hate— Become a wretched Wife. The trembling dove thus flies, To shun impelling ruin, Awhile her pinions tries; Till, of escape despairing, No shelter or retreat, She trusts the ruthless Falconer, And drops beneath his feet.