Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Happy Birthday Robert Burns Scotlands National Poet

  Today is the 253rd birthday of Robert Burns Scotlands National Poet. Here is one of his pieces I'll try to post more later.

                                                  A Bard's Epitaph
       1786
                   Is there a whim-inspired fool,
Owre fast for thought, owre hot for rule,
Owre
blate to seek, owre proud to snool,
Let him draw near;
And
owre this grassy heap sing dool,
And
drap a tear.

Is there a bard of rustic song,
Who, noteless, steals the crowds among,
That weekly this area throng,
O, pass not by!
But, with a frater-feeling strong,
Here, heave a sigh.

Is there a man, whose judgment clear
Can others teach the course to steer,
Yet runs, himself, life's mad career,
Wild as the wave,
Here pause-and, thro' the starting tear,
Survey this grave.

The poor inhabitant below
Was quick to learn the wise to know,
And keenly felt the friendly glow,
And softer flame;
But thoughtless follies laid him low,
And stain'd his name!

Reader, attend! whether thy soul
Soars fancy's flights beyond the pole,
Or darkling grubs this earthly hole,
In
low
pursuit:
Know, prudent, cautious, self-control
Is wisdom's root.

                         

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