Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
529 . Song—How 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.