Poems (Curwen)/Burn's Centenary

by Annie Isabel Curwen

Burns' Centenary.

DIED JULY 2IST, 1796.

A century of grand progressive years
 On Time's swift rolling wheels has sped,
 Since that sad morn the Angel Azrael led
The Bard of Scotia from this vale of tears.

His was the heaven-born gift of song;
 But Scotia did not fully recognise
 The star that had been shining in her skies,
Till he had gone to join the silent throng.

Nature doth teach more perfectly than Art,
 And he from Nature learnt his minstrelsy;
 She taught him wisdom, gave to him the key
That aye unlocks the chambers of the heart.

So many stars have risen, so many set,
 But with a radiant lustre all its own,
 This bright particular star has shone,
Shines still, and will shine on for ages yet.

Dear bard, the gulf of death is not so wide,
 But thou might's cross on this centenary,
 And bring to those who love thy memory
The melodies sung on the other side.

Come! bright inhabitant of heavenly spheres,
 And visit us for sake of Auld Lang Syne;
 And let the echoes of thy songs divine
Bridge o'er the gulf, and glad our listening ears.