Ken Ye Ought O' Captain Grose?
written in 1790
Ken Ye Ought O' Captain Grose? - fact Summary
Tribute to Captain Francis Grose
Written in 1790 as a playful tribute to Captain Francis Grose, this Scots-language song pursues a mock-concerned search for Grose’s whereabouts through comic rumors and blessings. Burns alternates absurd fears (murder by Highlanders, drowning) with mock-benisons and requests, using a repetitive refrain to create a jaunty, singable effect. The poem’s humour reflects Burns’s friendship with Grose and his taste for antiquarian jokes, blending affectionate teasing with cultural references to Scottish life and lore rather than serious narrative development.
Read Complete AnalysesKen ye ought o' Captain Grose? Igo and ago If he's amang his friends or foes? Iram coram dago. Is he South, or is he North? Igo and ago Or drowned in the river Forth? Iram coram dago. Is he slain by Highland bodies? Igo and ago And eaten like a wether-haggis? Iram coram dago. Is he to Abram's bosom gane? Igo and ago Or haudin Sarah by the wame? Iram coram dago. Whare'er he be, the Lord be near him! Igo and ago As for the deil, he daur na steer him, Iram coram dago. But please transmit th' inclosed letter, Igo and ago Which will oblidge your humble debtor, Iram coram dago. So may ye hae auld Stanes in store, Igo and ago The very Stanes that Adam bore; Iram coram dago. So may ye get in glad possession, Igo and ago The coins o' Satan's Coronation! Iram coram dago.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.