On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785. (translated)
Small, crafty, cowering, timorous little beast,
Oh, what a panic is in your breast!
You need not start away so hasty
With your hurrying scamper
I would be loath to run and chase you,
With murdering plough-staff.I’m truly sorry man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
And justifies that ill opinion
Which makes you startle
At me, your poor, earth born companion
And fellow mortal!I doubt not, sometimes, but you may steal;
What then? Poor little beast, you must live!
An odd ear in twenty-four sheaves
Is a small request;
I will get a blessing with what is left,
And never miss it.Your small house, too, in ruin!
Its feeble walls the winds are scattering!
And nothing now, to build a new one,
Of coarse grass green!
And bleak December’s winds coming,
Both bitter and piercing!You saw the fields laid bare and wasted,
And weary winter coming fast,
And cozy here, beneath the blast,
You thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel plough passed
Out through your cell.That small bit heap of leaves and stubble,
Has cost you many a weary nibble!
Now you are turned out, for all your trouble,
Without house or holding,
To endure the winter’s sleety dribble,
And hoar-frost cold.But little Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often askew,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!Still you are blessed, compared with me!
By Robert Burns
The present only touches you:
But oh! I backward cast my eye,
On prospects dreary!
And forward, though I cannot see,
I guess and fear!
An analysis of the poem “To A Mouse” by Robert Burns
“To A Mouse” is a poem written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1785. It is a reflection on the human condition and the unpredictable nature of life, as seen through the encounter between a ploughman and a mouse whose nest is destroyed. The poem is written in Scots dialect, adding authenticity and cultural depth to the work.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing empathy towards the mouse, acknowledging its vulnerability and its effort to build a nest for the winter. The ploughman, in his innocence and ignorance, unintentionally disrupts the mouse’s home, leading the speaker to ponder the futility of both human and animal endeavors. This disruption serves as a metaphor for life’s unforeseen challenges and obstacles.
Burns uses vivid and detailed imagery throughout the poem to create a strong emotional impact. He describes the mouse as “panic-stricken,” highlighting its fear and vulnerability. The use of the word “thro’ the cruivie” emphasizes the suddenness and harshness of the mouse’s predicament, as it is thrown into chaos by the plough. The poet’s description of the mouse’s “wee bit heap o’ leaves and stibble” emphasizes the smallness and fragility of the creature’s existence.
One of the key themes explored in the poem is the idea that no matter how carefully we plan and prepare for the future, life often has other plans. Burns writes, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley” (often paraphrased as “The best-laid plans of mice and men / Go oft awry”). This famous line acknowledges the unpredictability of life and serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned efforts can be thwarted by circumstances beyond our control. The ploughman’s disruption of the mouse’s nest is a metaphor for the larger challenges and setbacks humans encounter throughout their lives.
Despite the bleakness of this realization, the poem ends on a note of sympathy and understanding. Burns acknowledges that humans and animals share a common vulnerability and a shared struggle for survival. He reflects on the mouse’s ability to live in the present moment, unaware of the future and the past, and suggests that humans could learn from this perspective.
“To A Mouse” is a poignant and thought-provoking poem reflecting on life’s fragility and the inevitability of setbacks and disappointments. Through its use of vivid imagery and dialect, the poem captures the essence of the human condition and invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the challenges they face.
The most cited quotes from the poem “To A Mouse”
- “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley.” This line is undoubtedly the poem’s most famous and frequently cited quote. It encapsulates the central theme of the unpredictability of life and the futility of meticulously laid plans.
- “Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie!” This quote is often cited for its vivid and evocative description of the mouse. It captures the essence of the mouse’s small and vulnerable nature, emphasizing its fear and timidity.
- “But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane.” This line highlights the speaker’s sympathy and recognition of humans’ and animals’ shared struggles and vulnerabilities. It expresses a sense of connection and empathy towards the mouse.
- “I’m truly sorry man’s dominion / Has broken Nature’s social union.” These lines reflect the poet’s regret and sorrow for the disruption caused by human actions. They touch upon the broader theme of man’s impact on the natural world and the consequences of our dominion over it.
- “An’ forward, tho’ I canna see, / I guess an’ fear!” This quote conveys the speaker’s acknowledgement of the uncertainty of the future. It reflects a sense of apprehension and anticipation, as the speaker tries to navigate through life despite not being able to foresee what lies ahead.
- “The present only toucheth thee.” This line highlights the mouse’s ability to live in the present moment, unburdened by thoughts of the past or concerns for the future. It suggests a lesson for humans to find solace and contentment in embracing the present.
- “Still thou are blest, compared wi’ me!” This quote expresses the speaker’s discontent and dissatisfaction with their circumstances. It underscores the irony that the mouse, despite its struggles, may be considered more fortunate than the speaker.
- “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley, / An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain.” This variation of the famous quote emphasizes the consequences that can arise from plans going awry, leaving behind only sorrow and distress. It highlights the human tendency to experience disappointment and suffering when faced with unforeseen circumstances.
- “But, Och! I backward cast my e’e, / On prospects drear!” This line reflects the speaker’s tendency to dwell on past failures and bleak prospects, evoking a sense of regret and despair. It showcases the human inclination to ruminate on missed opportunities and gloomy outcomes.
- “Still thou art blest, compared wi’ me! / The present only toucheth thee.” These lines reiterate the speaker’s realization that the mouse, living in the present moment, may be better off than the speaker, who is burdened by the weight of the past and the uncertainties of the future. It serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the present and let go of regrets.
These quotes from “To A Mouse” encapsulate the essence of the poem’s themes and have resonated with readers over the years, leading them to be frequently referenced and cited.
