A Bard's Epitaph.

Robert Burns 1759 (Alloway) – 1796 (Dumfries)



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, through 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.
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Submitted on August 03, 2020

Modified on March 05, 2023

50 sec read
72

Quick analysis:

Scheme AAABAC DXDEDE BBBFCF GGGHGH IIIJIJ
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 892
Words 163
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 6, 6, 6, 6, 6

Robert Burns

Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. more…

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