Epitaph On My Ever Honoured Father

by Robert Burns

Epitaph On My Ever Honoured Father

O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious rev'rence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains,
The tender father, and the gen'rous friend;
5The pitying heart that felt for human woe,
The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride;
The friend of man — to vice alone a foe;
For "ev'n his failings lean'd to virtue's side."^[1]

1784

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Notes

An epitaph Burns writes on his Father which was included along with a number of other Epitaphs in the Kilmarnock edition of his poems. In this Epitaph Burns draws attention to his Father's virtues as a loving husband, tender Father and generous friend. He reflects on his humanity and vice less habits with few failings. He then acknowledges that the last line he has used is from Goldsmith's "Deserted Village". Burnes, William (1721 — 84) died at Lochlie Farm, Tarbolton. Burns and his family brought his Father's remains to Alloway kirkyard as he had always intended since moving to that parish. The headstone of his grave has this epitaph carved into the reverse side.

1. Goldsmith, "Deserted Village". — R. B.