A little bit of Culture...  Poetry from soc.culture.irish

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Posted by jake
on:    23 August 2002

A Bard's Epitaph
Robert Burns

The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
New Lanark: Geddes & Grosset Ltd, 2002

Is there a whim-inspir'd fool,
Owre fast for thought, owre hot for rule
Owre blate to seek, owre proud to snool,
Let him draw near;
And o'er this grassy heap sing dool,
And drap a tear.

Is there a Bard of rustic song,
Who, noteless, steals the crouds 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 judgement 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 and 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.


--- The End ---

Questions? Comments? -K. E. Dennis

Poetry Worldwide  (all else....)

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