On a Window at the King's Arms Tavern, Dumfries
written in 1795
On a Window at the King's Arms Tavern, Dumfries - context Summary
Composed in Dumfries 1795
Written in Dumfries in 1795, the poem defends lowly excisemen against scorn from the well-off. Burns challenges social sneering by pointing out that landlords, politicians, monarchs and even clergy perform similar roles: extracting dues, enforcing rules, and profiting from others. The argument reframes excisemen as one visible instance of a broader system of economic and institutional extraction, undermining moral superiority claimed by wealthier critics. The tone is rhetorical and satirical, using comparison to expose hypocrisy about who benefits from taxation and authority.
Read Complete AnalysesYe men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering 'Gainst poor Excisemen? give the cause a hearing: What are your landlords' rent-rolls? Taxing ledgers: What premiers, what? Even Monarchs' mighty gaigers: Nay, what are priests? those seeming godly wisemen: What are they, pray? but spiritual Excisemen.
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