The Book of Scottish Song/Song of Death

Song of Death.

[In a letter to Mrs. Dunlop, 17th Dec. 1791, Burns says:—"I have just finished the following song, which, to a lady, the descendant of many heroes of his truly illustrious line, and herself the mother of several soldiers, needs neither preface nor apology. Scene, a field of battle—time of the day, evening,—the wounded and dying are supposed to join in the song. The circumstance that gave rise to it was looking over, with a musical friend, Macdonald's collection of Highland Airs, I was struck with one, an Isle of Skye tune, entitled Oran an Aoig, or the Song of Death, to the measure of which I have adapted my stanzas."—Thomson, in his collection, does not give the Gaelic air, but sets the words to the Irish tune of "My lodging is on the cold ground." The original tune is given in Ritson's collection.]

Farewell, thou fair day, thou green earth, and ye skies,
Now gay with the bright setting sun!
Farewell, loves and friendships, ye dear tender ties!
Our race of existence is run.
Thou grim King of Terrors, thou life's gloomy foe,
Go frighten the coward and slave!
Go teach them to tremble, fell tyrant! but know
No terrors hast thou to the brave.

Thou strik'st the dull peasant, he sinks in the dark,
Nor saves ev'n the wreck of a name.
Thou strik'st the young hero, a glorious mark!
He falls in the blaze of his fame.
In the field of proud honour, our swords in our hands,
Our king and our country to save;
While victory shines on life's last ebbing sands,
O, who would not die with the brave!

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