Robert Bruce's March to Bannockburn
written in 1793
Robert Bruce's March to Bannockburn - context Summary
Composed in 1793
A rousing patriotic address that revives the Battle of Bannockburn and invokes Wallace and Robert Bruce to call Scots to arms. The poem functions as a rallying song: it contrasts freedom with "Chains and Slaverie," challenges cowardice, and promises sacrifice for national liberty. Written in Burns's characteristic direct voice, it stages a communal voice urging men to stand or fall together, turning historical memory into immediate political motivation and expressing Burns's support for Scottish independence.
Read Complete AnalysesScots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled, Scots, wham Bruce has aften led, Welcome to your gory bed, Or to Victorie! Now's the day, and now's the hour; See the front o' battle lour; See approach proud Edward's power Chains and Slaverie! Wha will be a traitor knave? Wha can fill a coward's grave? Wha sae base as be a Slave? Let him turn and flie: Wha, for Scotland's King and Law, Freedom's sword will strongly draw, Free-man stand, or Free-man fa', Let him follow me. By Oppression's woes and pains! By your Sons in servile chains! We will drain our dearest veins, But they shall be free! Lay the proud Usurpers low! Tyrants fall in every foe! Liberty's in every blow! Let us Do- or Die!!!
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