History of a Poet and Lyricist
Though Robert Burns only connection to Burns, Oregon is his last name, the city has continued to embrace him as a historical, cultural icon. He is their namesake. The Harney County Public Library holds a small display of him for visitors. Although Burns has since moved on from its Scottish heritage, its citizens still feel he is important to teach to future generations of Americans.
Born in 1759, Robert Burns has become regarded as a leading pioneer of the Romantic Movement and, after his death in 1796, as a source of great inspiration to the founders of both socialism and liberalism.[1] He is one of the best known poets to have written in the Scots language, although much of his writings were also written in English with a very light Scots dialect. When he wrote in Standard English, his writing often revolved around political issues or civil commentaries, often being the bluntest of his works.[2]
His influence extended from the United Kingdom to Russia and across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. In 1864, long after his death, Robert Crawford invited Abraham Lincoln to attend a Robert Burns celebration, and if he proved unable to do so, he was to send a toast. While Lincoln never attended, he did take the time to send a toast.[3] During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the celebration of his life and work bordered upon becoming a nationalistic charismatic cult. Even now, people from all over the world, including the city of Burns, Oregon, hold Burns Suppers to celebrate the poet and lyricist.
Traditional Burns Supper
A Poem by Robert Burns
A Bard's Epitaph4
1786
Type: Epitaph
|
Is there a whim-inspired fool, Owre fast for thought, owre hot for rule, Owre blate to seek, owre proud to snool, Let him draw near; And owre this grassy heap sing dool, And drap a tear. Is there a bard of rustic song, Who, noteless, steals the crowds among, That weekly this area throng, O, pass not by! But, with a frater-feeling strong, Here, heave a sigh. Is there a man, whose judgment clear Can others teach the course to steer, Yet runs, himself, life's mad career, Wild as the wave, Here pause-and, thro' the starting tear, Survey this grave. The poor inhabitant below Was quick to learn the wise to know, And keenly felt the friendly glow, And softer flame; But thoughtless follies laid him low, And stain'd his name! Reader, attend! whether thy soul Soars fancy's flights beyond the pole, Or darkling grubs this earthly hole, In low pursuit: Know, prudent, cautious, self-control Is wisdom's root. |
Notes
[1] Andrew O'Hagan, “The People's Poet,” The Guardian, January 19, 2008, http://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jan/19/poetry.classics.
[2] John William Cousin, A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature (London: J. M. Dent & Sons, 1910), 36.
[3] Cousin, 169-70.
[4] Burns Country, "A Bard's Epitaph," last modified 2010, http://www.robertburns.org/works/117.shtml.
