Miasmatic Review

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace Bled!

Today is Tartan Day, as part of Gathering of the Blogs we are to post a Scottish post. In the years past I did a four-part post on Jacobites, as well as some highland fashion. And recipes for Minced Callops, Colcannon and Barley with Mushrooms, really you should try each one. Today I’m going to sit back with a nice bottle of Glenmorangie 12 year old port wood finish single malt scotch and receipt my favorite Robert Burns poem, “Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace Bled” depicting the battle of Bannockburn fought on June 24th, 1314. In the battle the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce defeated the English in what could only be called a slaughter.

Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace Bled!
Scots, Wham Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to victory!
Now’s the day, and now’s the hour;
See the front o’ battle lour;
See approach proud Edward’s power,
Chains and Slavery!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a coward’s grave?
Wha so 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 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!
~Robert Burns

This poem by Burns is supposed to be his interpretation of what is thought to be the Bruce’s words to the Scots prior to the battle. Since there is no record of what was actually said there is no way of knowing if this is even close. On the other hand it would be easy to see these words inspiring soldiers to fight to the death in what had to be the goriest type of warfare. It’s also easy seeing these words applying today.

Other Blogs participating in the Gathering of the Blogs.