Beginners
Experts
Burns Supper
Top Features
Discussion Forum
Newsletter
Poems & Songs
The Letters
Federation
E- Membership
Schools
Contributions
Links
Search the Site
Scottish History
The Burns Shop

Translation
Index


The Banks Of The Devon
TUNE: Bhannerach dhon na chrie

 

Burns Original

Standard English Translation


1.
How pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devon,
With green spreading bushes and flow'rs blooming fair!
But the boniest flow'r on the banks of the Devon
Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr.
Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower,
In the gay rosy morn, as it bathes in the dew!
And gentle the fall of the soft vernal shower,
That steals on the evening each leaf to renew!
2.
O, spare the dear blossom, ye orient breezes,
With chill, hoary wing as ye usher the dawn!
And far be thou distant, thou reptile that seizes
The verdure and pride of the garden or lawn!
Let Bourbon exult in his gay gilded lilies,
And England triumphant display her proud rose!
A fairer than either adorns the green vallies,
Where Devon, sweet Devon, meandering flows.



How pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devon,
With green spreading bushes and flowers blooming fair!
But the boniest flower on the banks of the Devon
Was once a sweet bud on the slopes of the Ayr.
Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower,
In the gay rosy morning, as it bathes in the dew!
And gentle the fall of the soft vernal shower,
That steals on the evening each leaf to renew!

O, spare the dear blossom, you orient breezes,
With chill, hoary wing as you usher the dawn!
And far be you distant, you reptile that seizes
The verdure and pride of the garden or lawn!
Let Bourbon exult in his gay gilded lilies,
And England triumphant display her proud rose!
A fairer than either adorns the green valleys,
Where Devon, sweet Devon, meandering flows.

 

© 2004 WBC. Under no circumstances can any  of the contents of this site be copied, reproduced,  or represented without prior written consent.