To the Sons of Burns

After visiting their Father’s Grave.

(August 14th, 1803)

Ye now are panting up life’s hill!
‘Tis twilight lime of good and ill,
And more than common strength and skill
⁠Must ye display
If ye would give the better will
⁠Its lawful sway.

Strong-bodied if ye be to bear
Intemperance with less harm, beware!
But if your Father’s wit ye share,
⁠Then, then indeed,
Ye Sons of Burns! for watchful care
⁠There will be need.

For honest men delight will take
To shew you favor for his sake,
Will flatter you; and Fool and Rake
⁠Your steps pursue:
And of your Father’s name will make
⁠A snare for you.

Let no mean hope your souls enslave;
Be independent, generous, brave!
Your Father such example gave,
⁠And such revere!
But be admonish’d by his Grave,—
⁠And think, and fear!