Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

A Bard's Epitaph

Robert Burns

“A Bard's Epitaph” as printed in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 85 1887 · historical text
Public domainScottish songSong lyrics
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Poetical Works of Robert Burns, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Is there a whim-inspired fool,

Owre fast for thought, owre hot for rule,

Owre blate to seek, owre proud to snool,

Let him draw near;

And owre this grassy heap sing dool,

And drap a tear.

Verse 2

Is there a Bard of rustic song,

Who, noteless, steals the crowds among,

That weekly this area throng,

O, pass not by!

But, with a frater-feeling strong,

Here, heave a sigh.

Verse 3

Is there a man whose judgment clear,

Can others teach the course to steer,

Yet runs, himself, life's mad career,

Wild as the wave;

Here pause—and, thro' the starting tear,

Survey this grave.

Verse 4

The poor Inhabitant below

Was quick to learn and wise to know,

And keenly felt the friendly glow,

And softer flame,

But thoughtless follies laid him low,

And stain'd his name!

Verse 5

Reader, attend—whether thy soul

Soars fancy's flights beyond the pole,

Or darkling grubs this earthly hole,

In low pursuit;

Know, prudent, cautious self-control

Is wisdom's root.

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns. Historical text published in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887), “A Bard's Epitaph”

Every text in this 1887 collected edition is by Robert Burns (1759-1796), who died more than 230 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination and a pre-1931 United States publication.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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