Ralph Waldo Emerson, comp. (1803–1882). Parnassus: An Anthology of Poetry. 1880.
ScotlandRobert Burns (17591796)
I
When I was beardless, young, and blate,
And first could thresh the barn;
Or haud a yokin’ at the pleugh;
An’ though forfoughten sair eneugh,
Yet unco proud to learn!
A wish that to my latest hour
Shall strongly heave my breast—
That I for poor auld Scotland’s sake
Some usefu’ plan or book could make,
Or sing a sang at least.
The rough burr-thistle spreading wide
Amang the bearded bear,
I turned the weedin’-heuk aside,
An’ spared the symbol dear.