Mcpherson's Farewell
written in 1788
Mcpherson's Farewell - meaning Summary
Defiant Acceptance of Death
Robert Burns' "McPherson's Farewell" presents an outlaw's last speech before execution. The speaker greets the gallows with stubborn defiance, treating death as a mere parting breath and asserting continued fearlessness. He laments betrayal and an unavenged life, mourning that treachery ends his chances for retribution while still challenging any man in Scotland. Refrains recall a jaunty, mocking dance beneath the gallows, underscoring a blend of bravado and resignation. The poem contrasts public boldness with private grievance, framing execution as both spectacle and personal injustice.
Read Complete AnalysesFarewell, ye dungeons dark and strong, The wretch's destinie! McPherson's time will not be long, On yonder gallows-tree. Sae rantingly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly gaed he; He play'd a spring, and danc'd it round, Below the gallows-tree. O what is death but parting breath? On many a bloody plain I've dar'd his face, and in this place I scorn him yet again! Untie these bands from off my hands, And bring me to my sword; And there's no a man in all Scotland, But I'll brave him at a word. I've liv'd a life of sturt and strife; I die by treacherie: It burns my heart I must depart, And not avenged be. Now farewell light, thou sunshine bright, And all beneath the sky! May coward shame distain his name, The wretch that dares not die! Sae rantingly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly gaed he; He play'd a spring, and danc'd it round, Below the gallows-tree.
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