by Robert Burns (1759 - 1796)

The death of the linnet
 (Sung text for setting by J. Haydn)
 See original
Language: Scottish (Scots) 
Our translations:  FRE
But lately seen, in gladsome green,
The woods rejoic'd the day ;
Through gentle showers, the laughing flowers
In double pride were gay ;
But now our joys are fled
On winter blasts awa,
Yet maiden May, in rich array
Again shall bring them a'.
 
But my white powl, nae kindly thowe
Shall melt the snaws of age !
My trunk of eild, but buss or beild,
Sinks in time's wintry rage.
O age has weary, weary days
And nights o' sleepless pain!
Thou golden time o' youthful prime,
Why com'st thou not again ?

Glossary:
powl = head; thowe = thaw; eild = old age; buss = bush; beild = shelter

Composition:

    Set to music by (Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809), "The death of the linnet", Hob. XXXIa:138bis, JHW XXXII/3 no. 207

Text Authorship:

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

  • FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , "L'hiver de la vie", copyright © 2014, (re)printed on this website with kind permission


Research team for this page: Ferdinando Albeggiani , Pierre Mathé [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2009-06-14
Line count: 16
Word count: 92