The Birks of Invermay (1815)/Bruce's Address

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

For other versions of this work, see Scots Wha Hae.

BRUCE'S ADDRESS.

Scots wha hae wi' Wallace Bled,
Scots wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory ded,
Or to glorious victory.
Now's the day and now's the hour,
See the front of battle lour,
See approach proud Edward's power,
Edward, chains, and slavery.

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha wad fill a cowards grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Traitor, coward, turn and flee.
Wha for Scotland's king and law,
Freedom's sword will strongly draw;-
Freeman stand or freeman fa’,
Caledonians, on wi me.

By oppression's woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be-shall be free
Lay the proud usurper low,
Tyrants fall in every foe;
Liberty's in every blow;
Forward-let us do or die.