The Complete Works of Robert Burns

With musing-deep, astonish'd stare,
I view'd the heavenly-seeming fair;
A whisp'ring throb did witness bear

Of kindred sweet,
When with an elder sister's air

She did me greet.

"All hail! My own inspired bard!
In me thy native Muse regard!
Nor longer mourn thy fate is hard,

Thus poorly low!
I come to give thee such reward

As we bestow.

"Know, the great genius of this land,
Has many a light aërial band,
Who, all beneath his high command,

Harmoniously,
As arts or arms they understand,

Their labours ply.

"They Scotia's race among them share;
Some fire the soldier on to dare;
Some rouse the patriot up to bare

Corruption's heart.
Some teach the bard, a darling care,

The tuneful art.

"'Mong swelling floods of reeking gore,
They, ardent, kindling spirits, pour;
Or 'mid the venal senate's roar,

They, sightless, stand,