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Scots Wha Hae | |
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Scots Wha Hae | |
| Burns wrote
this poem in 1793, inspired by the story of Robert
Bruce's victory over Edward II at Bannockburn. It
is Bruce's imagined address to his army before the
battle. Scots, Wha Hae is a song of freedom for
Scotland that was still relevant in Burn's time.
The song was written at a time when the French Republic
had declared war on Britain. Many Scots were still
bitter about the Union of the Scottish and English
Parliaments and opposed the British Government.
Because of the war, it was a dangerous time to
voice views about independence as it could lead to
imprisonment. In recent years the song has been adopted by the Scottish National Party and is sung at Party Conferences. |
| 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 Edwards 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 flee! Wha for Scotland's King and Law, Freedom's sword will strongly draw, Freeman stand or freeman fa' , Let him follow me! By Oppression's woes and pains, By your sons in servile chains, We will drain our dearest vains But they shall be free! Lay the proud upsurpers low ! Tyrants fall in every foe! Liberty's in every blow ! Let us do, or die ! |