How cruel are the Parents

Robert Burns (1759–1796)

How cruel are the parentsWho riches only prize,And to the wealthy boobyPoor woman sacrifice.Meanwhile the hapless daughterHas but a choice of strife;To shun a tyrant father's hate,Becomes a wretched wife.

The ravening hawk pursuing,The trembling dove thus flies,To shun impelling ruinAwhile her pinions tries;Till of escape despairing,No shelter or retreat,She trusts the ruthless falconer,And drops beneath his feet.