The Creed Of Poverty.

    In politics if thou would'st mix,
        And mean thy fortunes be;
    Bear this in mind, be deaf and blind;
        Let great folks hear and see.

Robert Burns

Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire, and various other names and epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. Born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, he is best known for works such as 'Auld Lang Syne,' 'Scots Wha Hae,' and 'A Red, Red Rose.' He passed away on July 21, 1796, in Dumfries.

Robert Burns

On The Birth Of A Posthumous Child.

Robert Burns, Simple Poetry

On Seeing The Beautiful Seat Of Lord Galloway.

Robert Burns, Simple Poetry

On Seeing A Wounded Hare Limp By Me, Which A Fellow Had Just Shot.

Robert Burns, Simple Poetry

Extempore Pinned On A Lady's Couch.

Robert Burns, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

Is There, For Honest Poverty.

Tune - "For a' that, and a' that."


I.

    Is there, for honest poverty,
        That hangs his head, and a' that?
    The coward-slave, we pass him by,
        We dare be poor for a' that!
    For a' that, and a' that,
        Our toils obscure, and a' that;
    The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
        The man's the gowd for a' that!

II.

    What tho' on hamely fare we dine,
        Wear hoddin gray, and a' that;
    Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
        A man's a man, for a' that!
    For a' that, and a' that,
        Their tinsel show, and a' that;
    The honest man, though e'er sae poor,
        Is king o' men for a' that!

III.

    Ye see yon birkie, ca'd - a lord,

Robert Burns

My Father Was A Farmer.

Tune - "The Weaver and his Shuttle, O."


I.

    My father was a farmer
        Upon the Carrick border, O,
    And carefully he bred me,
        In decency and order, O;
    He bade me act a manly part,
        Though I had ne'er a farthing, O;
    For without an honest manly heart,
        No man was worth regarding, O.

II.

    Then out into the world
        My course I did determine, O;
    Tho' to be rich was not my wish,
        yet to be great was charming, O:
    My talents they were not the worst,
        Nor yet my education, O;
    Resolv'd was I, at least to try,
        To mend my situation, O.

III.

    In many a way, and vain essay,
        I courted fortune's favour, O;

Robert Burns

Poverty And Riches.

Give Want her welcome if she comes; we find
Riches to be but burdens to the mind.

Robert Herrick

A Safe Investment.

Yo fowk 'at's some brass to invest,
Luk sharp an mak th' best ov yor chonce!
Aw'll gie yo a tip, - one o'th' best,
Whear ther's profit an safety for once.
Yo needn't be feeard th' bank 'll brust,
Or at onny false 'Jabez' will chait, -
Depend on't its one yo can trust,
For th' balance sheet's sewer to be reight.

Yo've heeard on it oftimes befooar, -
But mooast fowk are apt to forget; -
Yet yo know if yo give to the poor,
At yo're gettin the Lord i' yor debt.
Its as plain as is th' nooas o' yor face,
An its true too, - believe it or net, -
It's a bargain God made i' this case,
An He'll nivver back aght on't, - yo bet.

All th' wealth yo may have can't prevent
Grim Deeath commin to yo some day;
An yo'll have to give up ivvery cent,
When ...

John Hartley

Poetical Inscription For An Altar To Independence.

    Thou of an independent mind,
    With soul resolv'd, with soul resign'd;
    Prepar'd Power's proudest frown to brave,
    Who wilt not be, nor have a slave;
    Virtue alone who dost revere,
    Thy own reproach alone dost fear,
    Approach this shrine, and worship here.

Robert Burns

Poverty And Riches

Who with a little cannot be content,
Endures an everlasting punishment.

Robert Herrick