Gow's Fareweel to Whiskey/Anna

by Robert Burns

For other versions of this poem, see The Gowden Locks o' Anna.

ANNA.

 

---

 

YESTREEN I had a pint o’ wine,
 A place where body saw’ na;
Yestreen lay on this breast o’ mine
 The raven locks of Anna.

The hungry Jew, in Wilderness,
 Rejoicing o’er his manna
Was naething to my honey bliss
 Upon the lips of Anna.

Ye monarchs, take the east and west,
 Frae Indus to Savannah,
Gie me within my straining grasp
 The melting form of Anna.

Then I’ll despise imperial charms,
 An Empress or Sultana;
While dying raptures, in her arms,
 I give and take with Anna.

Awa, thou flaunting god of day!
 Awa thou pale Diana!
Ilk star gae hide thy twinkling ray,
 When I’m to meet my Anna.

Come in thy raven-plumage, Night!
 Sun, moon, and stars, withdrawn a’,
And bring an angel-pen to write
 My transports wi’ my Anna.