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Poetry in Scots

Burns

Poetry in the Scots language began to be written down in the 14th century, beginning with John Barbour’s ‘The Brus’, and continuing through the makars of the 15th and 16thcenturies. The poetic revival of the 18th century led to the work of Robert Burns, and many others, and Scots poetry has continued to be composed in both general and regional forms down to the present day. Poetry probably remains the most common medium by which most Scottish people experience the fullness of Scots as a language and as a written, literary tradition.

Sally Evans, the Editor of Poetry Scotland has a life long interest in poetry in each of Scotland's indigenous languages. Sally joins us as editor of the poetry section of the SLC web site.

Don't forget to look back at the archvies of the last few months... Many interesting poets have appeared here recently!

Poem of the Month

Summons To Attend

Categorised as:

SUMMONS TO ATTEND A MEETING OF THE BURNS' ANNIVERSARY SOCIETY.*

To WILLIAM M`LAREN.
1805.

KING GEORDIE issues out his summons,
Tae ca his bairns, the Lairds an Commons,
Tae creesh the nation's moolie-heels,
An butter Commerce' rusty wheels,
An see what new, what untried tax,
Will lie the easiest on oor backs.

The priest convenes his scandal court,
Tae ken what houghmagandie sport
Has been gaun on within the parish
Since last they met,—their funds tae cherish.

But I, the servant of Apollo,
Whase mandates I am proud tae follow,—
He bids me warn you as the friend
Of Burns's fame, that ye'll attend
Neist Friday e'en, in Luckie Wricht's,
Tae spend the best—the wale o nichts ;
Sae, under pain o ha'f-a-merk
Ye'll come, as signed by me, the Clerk.


*This poetical invitation from the Clerk of the Burns' Anniversary Society convening a meeting, first appeared in the Glasgow periodical called the Selector, Vol. I., page 195, with the signature MODESTUS.—Ed.

The 'clerk' was, in fact, Robert Tannahill.

Poem of the month was selected by the Scottish Poetry Library.

 

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