Robert Burns (1759 – 1796)
January 25th is the birthday of Scotland’s National Bard, the much-loved Robert Burns.
So today, once again, I pay tribute to the great man with some of his own words.
Above all, Rabbie believed that all men were created equal:
Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a’ that,)
That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an’ a’ that.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s coming yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
bear the gree = come to the fore
But he was also a romantic:
Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
How can ye chaunt, ye little birds,
And I sae weary, fu’ o’ care.
Ye’ll break my heart, ye warbling birds
That wanton through the flowery thorn,
Ye mind me o’ departed joys,
Departed, never to return.
and even in English:
But pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white–then melts for ever;
Thanks, Rabbie, and Happy Birthday, wherever you are.
Excellent, Rabbie!
Shame we can’t get haggis from here anymore, so I improvised with sausages, gravy and neeps and tatties.
A great tribute to a wonderful fellow. I may be an Englishman but that won’t stop me enjoying haggis, tatties, neeps and whisky sauce followed by a bowl of cranachan this evening – and a dram or three on Glencoe of course!
Aye, yer no the worst Sassenach in the place, ah’ll gie ye that.
Orrabest, ma man
Indeed, he IS a genius in either language. Wise and magical words from the Man himself, beautifully read.
Thanks, Jenne
Lovely to hear these read to me this morning! The English was good to hear too.
The Great Man was a genius in either language.
Very happy you enjoyed the readings.