A Bard's Epitaph
written in 1786
A Bard's Epitaph - context Summary
Composed 1786, a Self-portrait
Robert Burns's 'A Bard's Epitaph' (written and published 1786 in Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect) is an autobiographical epitaph in which the speaker addresses passersby and fellow bards, inviting sympathetic reflection. It sketches types—the whim-driven fool, the popular rustic singer, the man who can advise but misdirects his own life—and then reveals the buried subject as quick to feel friendship and fancy, yet undone by thoughtless follies that stained his name. The poem closes as a direct moral appeal: prudent, cautious self-control is the root of wisdom.
Read Complete AnalysesIs 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, thro' the starting tear, Survey this grave. The poor inhabitant below Was quick to learn the 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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