Monday 10 September 2012

Scots Wha Hae

(Scots, Who Have, or Robert Bruce's March to Bannockburn) by Robert Burns

I am writing a poetical analysis on this poem, because it captured my attention so.  The analysis will be up in a week or so, but here's the poem to whet your anticipation! 

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to Victorie!

Now's the day, and now's the hour;
See the front o' battle lour;
See approach proud Edward's power
Chains and Slaverie!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a coward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a Slave?
Let him turn and flie:

Wha for Scotland's King and Law,
Freedom's sword will strongly draw,
Free-man stand, or Free-man fa',
Let him follow me.

By Oppression's woes and pains!
By your Sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud Usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty's in every blow!
Let us Do- or Die!!!

"Robert the Bruce Receiving the Wallace Sword before the Battle of Bannockburn from the Spirit of Scotland 
in the Guise of the Lady of the Lake with Stirling Castle in the Background" by Stewart Carmichael, 1943.
(Oil on canvas; The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum)


Sources:
Greenblatt, Stephen. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. New York: W.W. Norton, 2012. Print. (pg. 180-81)
"Your Paintings." BBC News. BBC, 2000. Web. 10 Sept. 2012.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/

1 comment:

  1. Yay, I love your analysises (analysi? analysiseseseseseseses... :P whatever)! I'm excited to read it. :D

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