52. Epitaph on John Rankine
AE day, as Death, that gruesome carl,
Was driving to the tither warl’
A mixtie-maxtie motley squad,
And mony a guilt-bespotted lad—
Black gowns of each denomination,
And thieves of every rank and station,
From him that wears the star and garter,
To him that wintles in a halter:
Ashamed himself to see the wretches,
He mutters, glowrin at the bitches,
“By G—d I’ll not be seen behint them,
Nor ’mang the sp’ritual core present them,
Without, at least, ae honest man,
To grace this d—d infernal clan!”
By Adamhill a glance he threw,
“L—d G—d!” quoth he, “I have it now;
There’s just the man I want, i’ faith!”
And quickly stoppit Rankine’s breath.
Poem by
Robert Burns
Biography |
Poems
| Best Poems | Short Poems
| Quotes
|
Email Poem |
More Poems by Robert Burns
Comments, Analysis, and Meaning on 52. Epitaph on John Rankine
Provide your analysis, explanation, meaning, interpretation, and comments on the poem 52. Epitaph on John Rankine here.
Commenting turned off, sorry.