Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation
written in 1791
Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation - context Summary
Protest Against the 1707 Union
Written in 1791, Robert Burns's "Such A Parcel Of Rogues In A Nation" protests the 1707 Act of Union by blaming Scottish politicians who accepted incorporation into England. The speaker laments the loss of national honour and martial reputation, contrasting past resistance and heroes like Bruce and Wallace with contemporary "hireling" traitors motivated by English money. The poem mixes anger and patriotic mourning, refusing resignation and asserting a personal vow to denounce the sale of Scotland. It functions as a political indictment and popular-expression of late-18th-century Scottish opposition to union with England.
Read Complete AnalysesFareweel to a' our Scottish fame, Fareweel our ancient glory, Fareweel ev'n to the Scottish name, Sae fam'd in martial story. Now Sark rins o'er the Solway sands, And Tweed rins to the ocean, To mark where England's province stands - Such a parcel of rogues in a nation. What force or guile could not subdue, Thro' many warlike ages, Is wrought now by a coward few For hireling traitor's wages. The English steel we could disdain; Secure in valour's station; But English gold has been our bane - Such a parcel of rogues in a nation. O would, or I had seen the day That treason thus could sell us, My auld gray head had lien in clay, Wi' Bruce and loyal Wallace! But pith and power, till my last hour, I'll mak' this declaration; We're bought and sold for English gold - Such a parcel of rogues in a nation.
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