Scots Wha Hae [Scots Who Have] is one of the great poem-songs by Robert Burns. It calls upon the example of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, two warrior heroes of Scotland, to remind us that the hour of battle has come. The singers glorify the military virtues of strength, courage, loyalty and sacrifice, all of which translate to the Catholic combat of spiritual warfare.
In this song those who shed their blood in the service of a cause are praised, and those who flee are deemed fit only to fill a coward's grave. If men can be called to such sacrifice in the name of loyalty to country, how much more should we as Catholics be willing to fight and die for the cause of Our Heavenly Lord?
The poem was composed in 1793 and is set to the tune of the old Scottish marching song Hey Tuttie Taitie. The original lyrics incorporate both Scottish and English vocabulary. It was long considered the unofficial national anthem of Scotland, although now there are several contenders to that title. It is here sung by The Corries.
Lyrics:
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 will 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,
Freeman stand or freeman fa',
Let him follow 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 dee.
English translation:
Scots, who have with Wallace bled,
Scots, whom Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to victory.
Now is the day, and now is the hour:
See the front of battle lour (impending),
See approach proud Edward's power,
Chains and slavery.
Who will be a traitor knave?
Who will fill a coward's grave?
Who so base as be a slave?
Let him turn, and flee.
Who for Scotland's King and Law,
Freedom's sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fall,
Let him follow 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 is in every blow.
Let us do or die.
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