Written in 1793 by legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns, Scots Wha Hae is a fictional speech given by Robert the Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The Scots won their national independence at Bannockburn, and Scots Wha Hae has been one of Scotland’s national anthems and a rallying cry since its publishing. The lyrics are very stirring and should resonate with all of us who look to our ancestors for inspiration in our fight to free our nations from our modern-day tyrants.
The poem in its original light Scots dialect:
Scots, wha hæ wi’ Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome tæ yer gory bed,
Or tæ victorie.Now’s the day, and now’s the hour:
See the front o’ battle lour,
See approach proud Edward’s power –
Chains and Slavery.Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha will fill a coward’s grave?
Wha sæ base as be a slave?
Let him turn and flee.Wha, for Scotland’s king and law,
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand, or Freeman fa’,
Let him on wi me.By Oppression’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free.Lay the proud usurpers low,
Tyrants fall in every foe,
Liberty’s in every blow! –
Let us do or dee.
The poem in English:
Scots, who have with Wallace bled,
Scots, whom Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victory.Now is the day, and now is the hour:
See the front of battle lower (threaten),
See approach proud Edward’s power –
Chains and slavery.Who will be a traitor knave?
Who will fill a coward’s grave?
Who’s so base as be a slave? –
Let him turn, and flee.Who for Scotland’s King and Law
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fall,
Let him follow me.By oppression’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free.Lay the proud usurpers low,
Tyrants fall in every foe,
Liberty is in every blow,
Let us do or die!
The poem set to music and video from the movie Braveheart.
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