Robert Burns How To Know Him - William Allan Neilson

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Résumé :
?I have not the most distant pretence to what the pye-coated guardians of Escutcheons call a Gentleman. When at Edinburgh last winter, I got acquainted at the Herald's office; and looking thro' the granary of honors, I there found almost every name in the kingdom; but for me, My ancient but ignoble blood Has crept thro' scoundrels since the flood. Gules, purpure, argent, etc., quite disowned me. My forefathers rented land of the famous, noble Keiths of Marshal, and had the honor to share their fate. I do not use the word ?honor? with any reference to political principles: loyal and disloyal I take to be merely relative terms in that ancient and formidable court known in this country by the name of ?club- law.? Those who dare welcome Ruin and shake hands with Infamy, forwhat they believe sincerely to be the cause of their God or their King, are?as Mark Antony in Shakspear says of Brutus and Cassius??honorable men.? I mention this circumstance because it threw my Father on the world at large; where, after many years' wanderings and sojournings, he picked up a pretty large quantity of observation and experience, to which I am indebted for most of my pretensions to Wisdom. I have met with few who understood Men, their manners and their ways, equal to him; but stubborn, ungainly Integrity, and headlong, ungovernable Irascibility, are disqualifying circumstances; consequently, I was born, a very poor man's son.?

Sommaire:
Robert Burns: How To Know Him by William Allan Neilson offers an in-depth exploration of the life and works of the celebrated Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The text delves into Burns's early life, highlighting his upbringing in a modest farming family in Ayrshire, Scotland. Despite the financial struggles and the demanding labor on the farm, Burns's father prioritized education, instilling in him a love for learning and literature. Burns's early exposure to Scottish songs and folklore, combined with his voracious reading, laid the foundation for his poetic talent. The book details Burns's personal life, marked by passionate love affairs and the resulting emotional turmoil, which often found expression in his poetry. His relationships, particularly with Jean Armour and the mysterious Highland Mary, are explored, revealing the complexities of his character and the depth of his emotional experiences. The publication of his Kilmarnock edition in 1786 marked a turning point, bringing him fame and altering his life's trajectory. Neilson's work also examines Burns's literary contributions, including his satires, songs, and narrative poems, emphasizing his mastery of the Scots language and his ability to capture the essence of Scottish rural life. The text provides a comprehensive understanding of Burns's legacy, illustrating how his works continue to resonate due to their emotional honesty and cultural significance....