Major Graham (Poem by Robert Burns)

Major Graham

By Robert Burns

(1)

Ah, Chloris, since it may na be,

    That thou of love wilt hear;

If from the lover thou maun flee,

    Yet let the friend be dear.

(2)

Altho’ I love my Chloris mair

    Than ever tongue could tell;

My passion I will ne’er declare,

    I’ll say, I wish thee well.

(3)

Tho’ a’ my daily care thou art,

    And a’ my nightly dream,

I’ll hide the struggle in my heart,

    And say it is esteem.

Note:

Sir Harris Nicolas found these lines on Chloris among the papers of Burns, and printed them in his late edition of the poet’s works.