Robert Burns Quotes

Scottish poet and lyricist (1759–1796)

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Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) was a poet and pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death became an important source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.

From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Also Known As: Bard of Ayrshire

Alternative Names: Robbie Burns • Rabbie Burns • Scotland's favorite son • Ploughman Poet • The Bard • National poet of Scotland • Robden of Solway Firth

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Where sits our sulky, sullen dame,
Gathering her brows like gathering storm,
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm.

Some rhyme a neebor’s name to lash;
Some rhyme, (vain thought!) for needfu’ cash;
Some rhyme to court the countra clash,
An’ raise a din;
For me, an aim I never fash;
I rhyme for fun.

'T is sweeter for thee despairing Than aught in the world beside,—Jessy!

To see her is to love her, And love but her forever; For Nature made her what she is, And never made anither!

To make a happy fireside clime To weans and wife,— That is the true pathos and sublime Of human life.

Dweller in yon dungeon dark, Hangman of creation, mark! Who in widow weeds appears, Laden with unhonoured years, Noosing with care a bursting purse, Baited with many a deadly curse?

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu'd the gowans fine.

O life! thou art a galling load, Along a rough, a weary road, To wretches such as I!

What 's done we partly may compute, But know not what 's resisted.

Affliction's sons are brothers in distress; A brother to relieve,—how exquisite the bliss!

And like a passing thought, she fled In light away.

O Life! how pleasant is thy morning, Young Fancy's rays the hills adorning! Cold-pausing Caution's lesson scorning, We frisk away, Like schoolboys at th' expected warning, To joy and play.

When chill November's surly blast Made fields and forests bare.

Some wee short hours ayont the twal.

It's guid to be merry and wise, It's guid to be honest and true, It's guid to support Caledonia's cause And bide by the buff and the blue.