D'ye no ken?

Robert Burns
25 January 1759 - 21 July 1796
(Source)

So the evening just passed, last night to those reading this early upon the morning of the 26th of January, was Burn's Night in many locales and a thing I did celebrate when I was a younger man. There was the eating of fine food, not to mention the lovely haggis which, accompanied by the skirl of the pipes, would start the evening. (I think we might have said the Selkirk Grace beforehand, it was lo these many years ago, and my mind wanders to think of it...)

The Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be Thanket!

Did I not mention the fine whiskey that was consumed as well? The sassenachs call it "Scotch," we Gaels just call it whiskey. Burns Night isn't the same without a wee dram, for the cold of the night dontcha know?

Now Robert Burns is the national poet of Scotland and some (especially those wearing kilts) would say that he was the greatest poet who ever lived. But I'm letting my Gael show, aren't I?

Anyhoo...

I've been too busy the past cuppla and I've only time for this wee sma' post. How about a bit oh Burns and some pipe music? (Look away Buck, look away!)

Scots Wha Hae, or, Robert Bruce’s Address to His Troops at Bannockburn

Robert Burns

Scots, 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 cowards’ 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!!!