Robert Burns bids farewell to his close companions, the members of his Masonic lodge, as he prepares to leave Scotland and seek his fortune elsewhere. The language is intimate and direct: a fond adieu, a warm clasp of the hands in verse. He reminds them of cheerful evenings spent together, and remembers the honour of serving as their presiding officer. There’s real tenderness in his voice — a “melting heart” and eyes full of tears — but no self-pity. Instead, he turns his attention outward, offering a prayer that Freedom, Harmony, and Love will keep them united in their shared ideals, guided by a divine architect’s steady moral compass. The final request is quietly moving: when they gather each year, he asks them to drink a toast, one round, to the absent bard who still holds them dear. The whole poem feels like a parting glass raised in a quiet room, warm with gratitude, pride, and the gentle ache of distance.
115. The Farewell to the Brethren of St. James’s Lodge, Tarbolton — Summary
ADIEU! a heart-warm fond adieu; Dear brothers of the mystic tie! Ye favourèd, enlighten’d few, Companions of my social joy; Tho’ I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing Fortune’s slidd’ry ba’; With melting heart, and brimful eye, I’ll mind you still, tho’ far awa.
Oft have I met your social band, And spent the cheerful, festive night; Oft, honour’d with supreme command, Presided o’er the sons of light: And by that hieroglyphic bright, Which none but Craftsmen ever saw Strong Mem’ry on my heart shall write Those happy scenes, when far awa.
May Freedom, Harmony, and Love, Unite you in the grand Design, Beneath th’ Omniscient Eye above, The glorious Architect Divine, That you may keep th’ unerring line, Still rising by the plummet’s law, Till Order bright completely shine, Shall be my pray’r when far awa.
And you, farewell! whose merits claim Justly that highest badge to wear: Heav’n bless your honour’d noble name, To Masonry and Scotia dear! A last request permit me here,— When yearly ye assemble a’, One round, I ask it with a tear, To him, the Bard that’s far awa.