Ce poème a été écrit par le poète Ecossais Robert Burns en 1787.
How pleasant the banks of the clear-winding Devon,
With green spreading bushes and flow'rs blooming fair !
But the boniest flow'r on the banks of the Devon
Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr
Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower,
In the fay, rosy morn, as it bathes in the dew !
And gentle the fall of the soft vernal shower,
That steals on the evening each leaf to renew !
O spare the dear blossom, ye orient breezes,
With chill, hoary wing as ye usher the dawn !
And far be thou distant, thou reptile that seizest
The verdure and pride of the garden of lawn !
Let Bourbon exult in his gay, gilded Lillies,
And England triumphant display her proud Rose ;
A fairer than either adorns the green vallies
Where Devon, sweet Devon, meandering flows.