Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Adieu

Robert Burns

“Adieu” as printed in The Book of Scottish Song (1843).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 4 1843 · historical text
Public domainScottish songFolk
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Book of Scottish Song, edited by Alexander Whitelaw, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Adieu! a heart-warm fond adieu!

Dear brothers of the mystic tie!

Ye favour'd, ye enlighten'd few,

Companions of my social joy!

Though I to foreign lands must hie,

Pursuing fortune's sliddry ba',

With melting heart, and brimful eye,

I'll mind you still, though far awa'.

Oft have I met your social band,

And spent the cheerful festive night;

Oft, honour'd with supreme command,

Presided o'er the sons of light;

And by that hieroglyphic bright,

Which none but craftsmen ever saw!

Strong memory on my heart shall write

Those happy scents when far awa'!

May freedom, harmony, and love,

Unite you in the grand design,

Beneath the omniscient eye above,

The glorious architect divine!

That you may keep th' unerring line,

Still rising by the plummet's law,

Till order bright completely shine—

Shall be my prayer when far awa'.

And you, farewell! whose merits claim,

Justly, that highest badge to wear!

Heaven bliss your honour'd, noble name,

To masonry and Scotia dear!

A last request permit me here,

When yearly ye assemble a',

One round, I ask it with a tear,

To him, the bard, that's far awa'.

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns (died 1796). Historical text published in The Book of Scottish Song (1843); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Book of Scottish Song (1843), edited by Alexander Whitelaw, “Adieu”

Every contribution in this 1843 anthology predates modern copyright terms by more than a century; any contributor died at least 130 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide (life+70 terms expired no later than 2020). The credited author died in 1796.

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 2026-10-12. 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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