The Jolly Beggars : See the Smoking Bowl Before Us
written in 1785
The Jolly Beggars : See the Smoking Bowl Before Us - meaning Summary
Defiant Camaraderie of Outsiders
Burns presents a boisterous scene of ragged companions who gather around a "smoking bowl" to sing, drink, and celebrate freedom from respectability. The speakers reject legal and religious authority, dismissing titles, wealth, and decorum as irrelevant to a life of pleasure and mutual support. The poem stages solidarity among the poor and marginalized, turning their poverty into a communal feast and a deliberate affirmation of liberty. Its tone mixes mockery of institutions with warm camaraderie, reflecting Burns’ sympathy for those excluded from social privilege.
Read Complete AnalysesSee the smoking bowl before us, Mark our jovial, ragged ring! Round and round take up the Chorus, And in raptures let us sing A fig for those by law protected! Liberty's a glorious feast! Courts for Cowards were erected, Churches built to please the Priest. What is title, what is treasure, What is reputation's care? If we lead a life of pleasure, 'Tis no matter how or where. With the ready trick and fable Round we wander all the day; And at night, in barn or stable, Hug our doxies on the hay. Does the train-attended carriage Thro' the country lighter rove? Does the sober bed of marriage Witness brighter scenes of love? Life is all a variorum, We regard not how it goes; Let them cant about decorum, Who have character to lose. Here's to budgets, bags and wallets! Here's to all the wandering train! Here's our ragged brats and callets! One and all cry out, Amen! A fig for those by law protected, Liberty's a glorious feast! Courts for Cowards were erected, Churches built to please the Priest.
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