A Bard's Epitaph Poem by Robert Burns

A Bard's Epitaph

Rating: 3.0


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.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Vidyut Chakraborty 03 September 2011

KNOW PRUDENT... What to state about this Great To-days Run is race of rage- Global Warmimg and Global Village. Bards are dying in Melting craze Burns balmed them centuries ahead. Larks are extinct Love is brewed 'Know prudent, cautious, self-control Is wisdom's root.'

11 8 Reply
Rebecca Succes 01 June 2011

nice poem l really like it

8 5 Reply
Tom Allport 25 January 2017

poem about someone who was loved and hated by his own people, he was just a human being.

1 2 Reply
Mahtab Bangalee 16 May 2019

an epitaph informs us prudent, cautious, self-control Is wisdom's root. ///

2 0 Reply
Bernard F. Asuncion 25 January 2017

Thanks for sharing......., , , , , , , ,

1 1 Reply
Khairul Ahsan 22 October 2020

'Know, prudent, cautious, self-control Is wisdom's root.' - The four cardinal attributes of wisdom! A poem worthy of the honor of being selected as the 'Classic Poem of the Day'.

1 0 Reply
Mahtab Bangalee 22 October 2020

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! /// a great epitaph

0 0 Reply
Dr Antony Theodore 22 October 2020

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. noble ideas, tony

1 0 Reply
Ency Bearis 22 October 2020

Remarkable classic poem Well versed with wisdom

0 0 Reply
Ratnakar Mandlik 16 May 2019

" Prudent, cautious self control Is wisdom's root" . Great classic poem, well deserved classic poem of the Day.

0 0 Reply
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Robert Burns

Robert Burns

Ayrshire / Scotland
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