If all who dine on homely fare Were true and brave, and a' that, * This poem was written by Burns under the following circumstances: He was invited to a nobleman's mansion, where he entertained the company with singing until dinner-time, when he was sent to dine with the upper servants. After dinner he joined the company, and was again called upon to sing, when, rising, he sung the above song and departed. The vice and crime that shame our time You see yon brawny, blustering sot Who swaggers, swears, and a' that, And thinks, because his strong right arm Might fell an ox, and a' that, That he's as noble, man for man, As duke and lord, and a' that? He's but a brute, beyond dispute, And not a man, for a' that. A man may own a large estate, Have palace, park, and a' that, And not for birth, but honest worth, Be thrice a man for a' that, And Donald, herding on the muir, Who beats his wife, and a' that, Be nothing but a rascal boor, Nor half a man, for a' that. It comes to this, dear Brother BurnsThe truth is old, and a' that"The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The man's the gold, for a' that." And, though you'd put the minted mark On copper, brass, and a' that, The lie is gross, the cheat is plain, And will not pass for a' that. For a' that, and a' that, 'Tis soul and heart, and a' that, That makes the king a gentleman, And not his crown, and a' that. And, man with man, if rich or poor, The best is he, for a' that, Who stands erect, in self-respect, And acts the man for a' that. CHARLES MACKAY. CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM. OSANNA to the Son of David! Raise For Him prepare a Hosanna, best-beloved and noble Guest, Heirs of thy realm with thee. Who comes at last to We know no king but thee: rule thou o'er Zion-to his own; Strew palms around; make plain and straight the way us alone. Hosanna! Come, the time draws on apace; We long thy mercy to embrace; This servant's form can ne'er son. Hosanna, Lord! Be thou our help and friend; Thy aid to us in mercy send, That each may bring his soul An offering unto thee unstained and whole. Thou wilt have none for thy disciples, Lord, But who obey in truth, not only hear, thy word. Hosanna! Let us in thy footsteps tread, Where we must weep and watch, Hosanna in the highest to our God and Hosanna! Let us sound it far and wide! When, bending 'neath her heavy creel, Enter thou in and here abide, Thou Blessed of the Lord! Why standest thou without, why roamst abroad? A poor fishwife came by, And, turning from the toilsome road, Unto the door drew nigh. Hosanna! Make thy home with us for She laid her burden ever! on the green And spread its scaly store; Thou comest, Lord, and naught us from thy With trembling hands and pleading words. |