Scots Wha Hae (Robert Bruce’s March to Bannockburn)

Robert Burns · 1793

Catalog grade guidance: 6–12 — Short patriotic song in Scots.

25 content lines · 143 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 26 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Project Gutenberg #1279: Poems and Songs of Robert Burns (chronological arrangement).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Robert Bruce’s March To Bannockburn

     Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace bled,
     Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
     Welcome to your gory bed,
     Or to Victorie!

     Now’s the day, and now’s the hour;
     See the front o’ battle lour;
     See approach proud Edward’s power—
     Chains and Slaverie!

     Wha will be a traitor knave?
     Wha can fill a coward’s grave?
     Wha sae base as be a Slave?
     Let him turn and flee!

     Wha, for Scotland’s King and Law,
     Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
     Free-man stand, or Free-man fa’,
     Let him on wi’ me!

     By Oppression’s woes and pains!
     By your Sons in servile chains!
     We will drain our dearest veins,
     But they shall be free!

     Lay the proud Usurpers low!
     Tyrants fall in every foe!
     Liberty’s in every blow!—
     Let us Do or Die!