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Read the full text of To a Mouse, a famous poem by Robert Burns that compares the fate of humans and mice. Learn about the meaning, context, and themes of the poem, such as the best laid plans of mice and men.
- Afton Water
Thou stock-dove, whose echo resounds thro' the glen, Ye wild...
- Ae Fond Kiss
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest! Thine be ilka joy and...
- Comin Thro' The Rye
But a' the lads they loe me, and what the waur am I. Gin a...
- Afton Water
Learn the meaning and origin of the phrase 'the best-laid schemes of mice and men', which comes from a Scottish poet's reflection on fate and fortune. Find out how Burns' poem inspired John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men and other cultural references.
When their plans fail they lament that "the best laid plans of mice" don't always work out. The Monty Python sketch 'Word Association' references the first line of the poem, and replaces the simple word "We" with "Wee sleekit cowerin' timorous beastie".
The best-laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy! Still thou are blest, compared wi’ me! The present only toucheth thee: But Och! I backward cast my e’e, On prospects drear! An’ forward, tho’ I cannot see, I guess an’ fear!
A famous poem that compares the fate of mice and men, and warns against overconfidence in human plans. Read the full text, translation, and analysis of this classic Scottish poem.
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain For promis'd joy. Still thou art blest, compar'd wi' me! The present only toucheth thee: But, och! I backward cast my e'e On prospects drear! An' forward, tho' I canna see, I guess an' fear!
Learn about the poem 'To a Mouse' by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet who sympathizes with a mouse whose home was destroyed by him. The poem contains the famous line "The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men Gang aft agley" and explores the themes of nature, death, and fate.
