Such A Parcel Of Rogues In A Nation.

Author: Robert Burns

    Tune. - "A parcel of rogues in a nation."


I.

        Fareweel to a' our Scottish fame,
            Fareweel our ancient glory,
        Fareweel even to the Scottish name,
            Sae fam'd in martial story.
        Now Sark rins o'er the Solway sands,
            And Tweed rins to the ocean,
        To mark where England's province stands
            Such a parcel of rogues in a nation.

II.

        What force or guile could not subdue,
            Thro' many warlike ages,
        Is wrought now by a coward few
            For hireling traitor's wages.
        The English steel we could disdain;
            Secure in valour's station;
        But English gold has been our bane
            Such a parcel of rogues in a nation.

III.

        O would, or I had seen the day
            That treason thus could sell us,
        My auld gray head had lien in clay,
            Wi' Bruce and loyal Wallace!
        But pith and power, till my last hour,
            I'll mak' this declaration;
        We've bought and sold for English gold
            Such a parcel of rogues in a nation.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is steeped in a strong nationalistic tone, lamenting the perceived loss of Scottish identity and autonomy. The theme is one of betrayal, a sense of national disgrace at the hands of traitorous insiders, framed within the historical setting of Scotland's conflicts with England. The poet's choice of words paints a vivid picture of a homeland sold out for "English gold," an image that symbolizes corruption, greed, and the surrender of national dignity.

The structure of the poem, divided into three stanzas, marks a progression of ideas. The first stanza sets the stage with a mournful goodbye to Scotland's "ancient glory" and "martial story." This is followed by the second stanza which elaborates on the cause of this downfall - treachery from within, fueled by "English gold." The final stanza is a personal lamentation from the poet, expressing regret and a sense of despair, wishing to be with the heroic figures of Scottish history rather than witness such disgrace.

The recurring phrase, "Such a parcel of rogues in a nation," is a powerful refrain that underlines the theme of treachery. It is a biting comment on those who are perceived to have betrayed their own nation for personal gain. The language, rich in Scottish dialect, further emphasizes the cultural and nationalistic tone of the poem. The references to significant geographical and historical figures, such as the rivers Sark, Tweed, and the heroes Bruce and Wallace, serve to root the poem firmly in Scottish identity and history. Overall, the poem is a poignant critique of perceived national betrayal, delivered with a deeply felt sorrow and anger.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.