James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
June 24Bannockburn
By Robert Burns (17591796)
In this battle, fought near Stirling, on June 24, the Scots under Robert Bruce totally defeated three times their number of English under Edward III.
S
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led—
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to victorie!
See the front o’ battle lower;
See approach proud Edward’s power—
Chains and slaverie!
Wha can fill a coward’s grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Let him turn and flee!
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Free-man stand, or free-man fa’—
Let him follow me!
By your sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!
Tyrants fall in very foe!
Liberty’s in every blow!
Let us do, or die!