The Poetical Works of Robert Burns/Addressed to a Lady whom the Author feared he had offended

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

ADDRESSED TO A LADY

WHOM THE AUTHOR FEARED HE HAD OFFENDED.

Rusticity's ungainly form
 May cloud the highest mind;
But when the heart is nobly warm,
 The good excuse will find.

Propriety's cold cautious rules
 Warm fervour may o'erlook;
But spare poor sensibility
 The ungentle, harsh rebuke.