Robert Burns wrote many poems and songs in praise of his “Chloris” – Jean Lorimer, a woman friend who inspired his muse over the years. The sloe is the fruit of the blackthorn tree, much enjoyed today by lovers of sloe-gin.
"Requesting me to give her a Spring of Blossomed Thorn.
From the white-blossom'd sloe my dear Chloris requested
A sprig, her fair breast to adorn:
No, by Heavens! I exclaim'd, let me perish, if ever