CXL.
SONG OF DEATH.
Air—“Oran an Aoig.”
[“I have just finished the following song,” says Burns to Mrs. Dunlop, “which to a lady, the descendant of Wallace, and herself the mother of several soldiers, needs neither preface nor apology.”]
Scene—A field of battle. Time of the day, evening. The wounded and dying of the victorious army are supposed to join in the following song:
I.
Farewell, thou fair day, thou green earth, and ye skies,
Now gay with the bright setting sun;
Farewell loves and friendships, ye dear tender ties—
Our race of existence is run!
II.
Thou grim king of terrors, thou life’s gloomy foe!
Go frighten the coward and slave;
Go, teach them to tremble, fell tyrant! but know,
No terrors hast thou to the brave!