Robert Burns’s Epitaph

Robert Burns died on July 21, 1796 at his home in Dumfries.

He was only 37 years old but despite his years left a mark like no other poet in the soul of his nation.

Consigned to earth, here rests the lifeless clay,

Which once a vital spark from heaven inspired!

The lamp of genius shone full bright as day,

Then left the world to mourn its light retired.

 

While beams that splendid orb which lights the sphere,

while mountain streams descend to swell the main,

While changeful seasons mark the rolling years –

Thy fame, O Burns, let Scotia still retain.

Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990