ÿþ<html> <head> <title>FolkWorld Fiction: Tam o' Shanter</title> </head> <body bgcolor="#FFE4E1" link="#DC143C" alink="#FF3300" vlink="#4B0082"> <b><font color="4169e1"><font face="Maiandra GD">FolkWorld Fiction</font> by Robert Burns</font></b> <br><br> <center><b><font color="#ff0000" size="6" face=arial>&nbsp;&nbsp;TAM O' SHANTER&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></b></center> <center> <font color="#008000" size="5" face=arial><b><i>A Tale (1790)</i></font></b></p> </CENTER> <p><font size=3 color="4169e1" face=arial><blockquote> <img src="../17/p/kirk.jpg" width="200" height="142" ALT="Alloway Kirk, photo: www.robertburns.org/heritagepark/" align=left hspace=10 vspace=10> <img src="../17/p/shanter.jpg" width="170" height="141" ALT="Tam O Shanter, picture: www.robertburns.org/heritagepark/" align=right hspace=10 vspace=10> <b>Lets get into the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth with <i>Tam o' Shanter</i>, his epic tale of magic and witchcraft, good and evil, alcohol and sexual relations. <p><font size=-1> Burns' prose sketch:</b> On a market-day, in the town of Ayr, a farmer from Carrick, and consequently whose way lay by the very gate of Alloway kirk-yard, in order to cross the River Doon, at the old bridge, which is almost two or three hundred yards farther on than the said old gate, had been detained by his business till by the time he reached Alloway it was the wizard hour, between night and morning. Though he was terrified with a blaze streaming from the kirk, yet as it is a well known fact, that to turn back on these occasions is running by far the greatest risk of mischief, he prudently advanced on his road. When he had reached the gate of the kirk-yard, he was surprised and entertained, thorough the ribs and arches of an old gothic window which still faces the highway, to see a dance of witches merrily footing it round their old sooty black-guard master, who was keeping them all alive with the power of his bagpipe. The farmer stopping his horse to observe them a little, could plainly desern the faces of many old women of his acquaintance and neighbourhood. How the gentleman was dressed, tradition does not say; but the ladies were all in their smocks; and one of them happening unluckily to have a smock which was considerably too short to answer all the purpose of that piece of dress, our farmer was so tickled that he involuntarily burst out, with a loud laugh, 'Weel luppen, Maggy wi' the short sark!' and recollecting himself, instantly spurred his horse to the top of his speed. I need not mention the universally known fact, that no diabolical power can pursue you beyond the middle of a running stream. Lucky it was for the poor farmer that the river Doon was so near, for notwithstanding the speed of his horse, which was a good one, against he reached the middle of the arch of the bridge and consequently the middle of the stream, the pursuing, vengeful hags were so close at his heels, that one of them actually sprung to seize him: but it was too late; nothing was on her side of the stream but the horse's tail, which immediately gave way to her infernal grip, as if blasted by a stroke of lightning; but the farmer was beyond her reach. However, the unsightly, tailless condition of the vigorous steed was to the last hours of the noble creature's life, an awful warning to the Carrick farmers, not to stay too late in Ayr markets. </font> </b> </blockquote></font></p><br> <p><center> <table border="0" width=850> <tr><td colspan=2> <blockquote> <font size=3 face=arial> "Of Brownyis and of Bogillis full is this Buke." <br /> Gawin Douglas. </font> </blockquote> </td></tr> <tr><td> <blockquote> <font size=3 face=arial> When chapman billies leave the street, <br /> And <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/568.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/568.html');">drouthy</a> neibors, neibors, meet; <br /> As market days are wearing late, <br /> And folk begin to <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1635.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1635.html');">tak</a> the gate, <br /> While we sit bousing at the nappy, <br /> An' getting fou and unco happy, <br /> We think na on the lang Scots miles, <br /> The mosses, waters, slaps and stiles, <br /> That lie between us and our hame, <br /> Where sits our sulky, sullen dame, <br /> Gathering her brows like gathering storm, <br /> Nursing her wrath to keep it warm. <br /> <br /> This truth fand honest Tam o' Shanter, <br /> As he frae Ayr ae night did canter: <br /> (Auld Ayr, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1836.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1836.html');">wham</a> ne'er a town surpasses, <br /> For honest men and bonie lasses). <br /> <br /> O Tam! had'st thou but been sae wise, <br /> As <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1632.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1632.html');">taen</a> thy ain wife Kate's advice! <br /> She tauld thee <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1824.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1824.html');">weel</a> thou was a skellum, <br /> A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum; <br /> That frae November till October, <br /> Ae market-day thou was na sober; <br /> That ilka <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1140.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1140.html');">melder</a> wi' the Miller, <br /> Thou sat as lang as thou had siller; <br /> That ev'ry <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1181.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1181.html');">naig</a> was ca'd a shoe on <br /> The Smith and thee <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/749.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/749.html');">gat</a> roarin' fou on; <br /> That at the Lord's house, ev'n on Sunday, <br /> Thou drank wi' Kirkton Jean till Monday, <br /> She prophesied that late or soon, <br /> Thou wad be found, deep drown'd in Doon, <br /> Or catch'd wi' warlocks in the mirk, <br /> By Alloway's auld, haunted kirk. <br /> <br /> Ah, gentle dames! it gars me greet, <br /> To think how mony counsels sweet, <br /> How mony lengthen'd, sage advices, <br /> The husband frae the wife despises! <br /> <br /> But to our tale: Ae market night, <br /> Tam had got planted unco right, <br /> Fast by an ingle, bleezing finely, <br /> Wi reaming sAats, that drank divinely; <br /> And at his elbow, Souter Johnie, <br /> His ancient, trusty, drougthy crony: <br /> Tam <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1085.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1085.html');">lo'ed</a> him like a very brither; <br /> They had been <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/714.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/714.html');">fou</a> for weeks thegither. <br /> The night drave on wi' sangs an' clatter; <br /> And aye the ale was growing better: <br /> The Landlady and Tam grew gracious, <br /> Wi' favours secret, sweet, and precious: <br /> The <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1514.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1514.html');">Souter</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1648.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1648.html');">tauld</a> his queerest stories; <br /> The Landlord's laugh was ready chorus: <br /> The storm without might <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1303.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1303.html');">rair</a> and rustle, <br /> Tam did na <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1159.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1159.html');">mind</a> the storm a whistle. <br /> <br /> Care, mad to see a man sae happy, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/590.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/590.html');">E'en</a> drown'd <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/901.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/901.html');">himsel</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/39.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/39.html');">amang</a> the nappy. <br /> As bees <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/685.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/685.html');">flee</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/858.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/858.html');">hame</a> wi' lades o' treasure, <br /> The minutes wing'd their way wi' pleasure: <br /> Kings may be blest, but Tam was glorious, <br /> O'er a' the ills o' life victorious! <br /> <br /> But pleasures are like poppies spread, <br /> You seize the flow'r, its bloom is shed; <br /> Or like the snow falls in the river, <br /> A moment white-then melts for ever; <br /> Or like the Borealis race, <br /> That <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/697.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/697.html');">flit</a> ere you can point their place; <br /> Or like the Rainbow's lovely form <br /> Evanishing amid the storm. - <br /> Nae man can tether Time nor Tide, <br /> The hour approaches Tam maun ride; <br /> That hour, o' night's black arch the key-stane, <br /> That dreary hour he mounts his beast in; <br /> And sic a night he taks the road in, <br /> As ne'er poor sinner was abroad in. <br /> <br /> The wind blew as 'twad <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/180.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/180.html');">blawn</a> its last; <br /> The rattling showers rose on the blast; <br /> The speedy gleams the darkness swallow'd; <br /> Loud, deep, and lang, the thunder bellow'd: <br /> That night, a child might understand, <br /> The <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/512.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/512.html');">deil</a> had business on his hand. <br /> <br /> Weel-mounted on his grey mare, Meg, <br /> A better never lifted leg, <br /> Tam skelpit on thro' <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/574.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/574.html');">dub</a> and mire, <br /> Despising wind, and rain, and fire; <br /> Whiles holding fast his <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/823.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/823.html');">gude</a> blue bonnet, <br /> Whiles <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/458.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/458.html');">crooning</a> o'er some auld Scots sonnet, <br /> Whiles glow'rin round wi' prudent cares, <br /> Lest bogles catch him unawares; <br /> Kirk-Alloway was drawing nigh, <br /> Where ghaists and houlets nightly cry. <br /> <br /> By this time he was cross the ford, <br /> Where in the <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1493.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1493.html');">snaw</a> the <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/343.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/343.html');">chapman</a> smoor'd; <br /> And past the birks and meikle stane, <br /> Where drunken Charlie <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/231.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/231.html');">brak's</a> neck-bane; <br /> And thro' the whins, and by the cairn, <br /> Where hunters <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/628.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/628.html');">fand</a> the murder'd bairn; <br /> And near the thorn, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/10.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/10.html');">aboon</a> the well, <br /> Where Mungo's <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1167.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1167.html');">mither</a> hang'd hersel'. <br /> Before him Doon pours all his floods, <br /> The doubling storm roars thro' the woods, <br /> The lightnings flash from pole to pole, <br /> Near and more near the thunders roll, <br /> When, glimmering thro' the groaning trees, <br /> Kirk-Alloway seem'd in a bleeze, <br /> Thro' ilka <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/219.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/219.html');">bore</a> the beams were glancing, <br /> And loud resounded mirth and dancing. <br /> <br /> Inspiring bold John Barleycorn! <br /> What dangers thou canst make us scorn! <br /> Wi' tippenny, we fear nae evil; <br /> Wi' usquabae, we'll face the devil! <br /> The <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1617.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1617.html');">swats</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1371.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1371.html');">sae</a> ream'd in Tammie's noddle, <br /> Fair play, he car'd na deils a boddle, <br /> But Maggie stood, right <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1373.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1373.html');">sair</a> astonish'd, <br /> Till, by the heel and hand admonish'd, <br /> She ventur'd forward on the light; <br /> And, wow! Tam <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1386.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1386.html');">saw</a> an <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1755.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1755.html');">unco</a> sight! <br /> <br /> Warlocks and witches in a dance: <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1179.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1179.html');">Nae</a> cotillon, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/247.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/247.html');">brent</a> new frae France, <br /> But hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys, and reels, <br /> Put life and mettle in their heels. <br /> A <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1877.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1877.html');">winnock-bunker</a> in the east, <br /> There sat auld Nick, in shape o' beast; <br /> A towzie tyke, black, grim, and large, <br /> To <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/769.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/769.html');">gie</a> them music was his charge: <br /> He screw'd the pipes and gart them skirl, <br /> Till roof and rafters a' did dirl. - <br /> Coffins stood round, like open presses, <br /> That shaw'd the Dead in their last dresses; <br /> And (by some devilish <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/315.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/315.html');">cantraip</a> sleight) <br /> Each in its <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/334.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/334.html');">cauld</a> hand held a light. <br /> By which heroic Tam was able <br /> To note upon the <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/857.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/857.html');">haly</a> table, <br /> A murderer's banes, in gibbet-airns; <br /> Twa span-lang, wee, unchristened bairns; <br /> A thief, new-cutted <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/720.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/720.html');">frae</a> a rape, <br /> Wi' his last gasp his gabudid gape; <br /> Five tomahawks, wi' blude red-rusted: <br /> Five scimitars, wi' murder crusted; <br /> A garter which a babe had strangled: <br /> A knife, a father's throat had mangled. <br /> Whom his ain son of life bereft, <br /> The grey-hairs yet stack to the heft; <br /> Wi' <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1121.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1121.html');">mair</a> of horrible and awfu', <br /> Which even to name wad be unlawfu'.<br /> Three lawyers tongues, turned inside oot,<br />Wi' lies, seamed like a beggars clout,<br />Three priests hearts, rotten, black as muck,<br />Lay stinkin, vile in every neuk.<br /><br />As Tammie glowr'd, amaz'd, and curious, <br /> The mirth and fun grew fast and furious; <br /> The Piper loud and louder blew, <br /> The dancers quick and quicker flew, <br /> The reel'd, they set, they cross'd, they cleekit, <br /> Till ilka carlin <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1615.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1615.html');">swat</a> and reekit, <br /> And <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/419.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/419.html');">coost</a> her <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/576.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/576.html');">duddies</a> to the wark, <br /> And linkit at it in her sark! <br /> <br /> Now Tam, O Tam! had they been queans, <br /> A' plump and strapping in their teens! <br /> Their sarks, instead o' <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/452.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/452.html');">creeshie</a> flainen, <br /> Been snaw-white seventeen <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/941.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/941.html');">hunder</a> linen!- <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1671.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1671.html');">Thir</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/245.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/245.html');">breeks</a> o' mine, my only pair, <br /> That <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/42.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/42.html');">ance</a> were plush o' <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/824.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/824.html');">guid</a> blue hair, <br /> I wad <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/839.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/839.html');">hae</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/771.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/771.html');">gien</a> them off my hurdies, <br /> For ae <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/190.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/190.html');">blink</a> o' the bonie burdies! <br /> But wither'd beldams, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/62.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/62.html');">auld</a> and droll, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1345.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1345.html');">Rigwoodie</a> hags wad <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1526.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1526.html');">spean</a> a foal, <br /> Louping <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/40.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/40.html');">an'</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/695.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/695.html');">flinging</a> on a crummock. <br /> I wonder did na turn thy stomach. <br /> <br /> But Tam kent what was what fu' brawlie: <br /> There was ae winsome wench and <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1812.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1812.html');">waulie</a> <br /> That night enlisted in the core, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1054.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1054.html');">Lang</a> after ken'd on Carrick shore; <br /> (For mony a beast to <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/509.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/509.html');">dead</a> she shot, <br /> And perish'd mony a <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/210.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/210.html');">bonie</a> boat, <br /> And shook <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/88.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/88.html');">baith</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1139.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1139.html');">meikle</a> corn and bear, <br /> And kept the country-side in fear); <br /> Her <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/482.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/482.html');">cutty</a> sark, o' Paisley harn, <br /> That while a lassie she had worn, <br /> In longitude tho' sorely scanty, <br /> It was her best, and she was vauntie. <br /> Ah! little ken'd thy reverend grannie, <br /> That <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1379.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1379.html');">sark</a> she <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/408.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/408.html');">coft</a> for her <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1823.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1823.html');">wee</a> Nannie, <br /> Wi <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1740.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1740.html');">twa</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1284.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1284.html');">pund</a> Scots ('twas <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/4.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/4.html');">a'</a> her riches), <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1771.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1771.html');">Wad</a> ever grac'd a dance of witches! <br /> <br /> But here my Muse her wing <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1132.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1132.html');">maun</a> cour, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1445.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1445.html');">Sic</a> flights are far beyond her power; <br /> To sing how Nannie <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1055.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1055.html');">lap</a> and flang, <br /> (A <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1513.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1513.html');">souple</a> jade she was and strang), <br /> And how Tam stood, like <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/43.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/43.html');">ane</a> bewithc'd, <br /> And thought his very <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/596.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/596.html');">een</a> enrich'd: <br /> Even Satan glowr'd, and fidg'd <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/723.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/723.html');">fu'</a> fain, <br /> And <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/926.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/926.html');">hotch'd</a> and blew wi' might and main: <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1695.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1695.html');">Till</a> first ae caper, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1626.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1626.html');">syne</a> anither, <br /> Tam <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1699.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1699.html');">tint</a> his reason a thegither, <br /> And roars out, "Weel done, Cutty-sark!" <br /> And in an instant all was dark: <br /> And scarcely had he Maggie rallied. <br /> When out the hellish legion sallied. <br /> <br /> As bees <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/165.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/165.html');">bizz</a> out wi' angry fyke, <br /> When plundering herds assail their byke; <br /> As open pussie's mortal foes, <br /> When, pop! she starts before their nose; <br /> As eager runs the market-crowd, <br /> When "Catch the thief!" resounds aloud; <br /> So Maggie runs, the witches follow, <br /> Wi' mony <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/41.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/41.html');">an</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/601.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/601.html');">eldritch</a> skreich and hollow. <br /> <br /> Ah, Tam! Ah, Tam! thou'll <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/767.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/767.html');">get</a> thy fairin! <br /> In hell, they'll roast thee like a herrin! <br /> In vain thy Kate awaits thy comin! <br /> Kate soon will be a woefu' woman! <br /> Now, do thy speedy-utmost, Meg, <br /> And <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1872.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1872.html');">win</a> the key-stone o' the brig;<a href="#footnote">^1</a> <br /> There, at them thou thy tail may toss, <br /> A running stream they dare <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1178.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1178.html');">na</a> cross. <br /> But <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/609.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/609.html');">ere</a> the keystane she could make, <br /> The <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/669.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/669.html');">fient a</a> tail she had to shake! <br /> For Nannie, far before the rest, <br /> Hard upon noble Maggie prest, <br /> And flew at Tam <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1859.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1859.html');">wi'</a> furious ettle; <br /> But little wist she Maggie's mettle! <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/13.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/13.html');">Ae</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1538.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1538.html');">spring</a> brought off her master hale, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/288.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/288.html');">But</a> left behind her <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/26.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/26.html');">ain</a> grey tail: <br /> The <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/324.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/324.html');">carlin</a> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/376.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/376.html');">claught</a> her <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/291.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/291.html');">by</a> the rump, <br /> And left poor Maggie scarce a stump. <br /> <br /> Now, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1833.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1833.html');">wha</a> this tale o' truth shall read, <br /> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/953.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/953.html');">Ilk</a> man and mother's son, take heed: <br /> Whene'er to Drink you are inclin'd, <br /> Or Cutty-sarks <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1346.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1346.html');">rin</a> in your mind, <br /> Think ye may buy the joys o'er dear; <br /> Remember Tam <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1208.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1208.html');">o'</a> Shanter's mare. </font> </blockquote> </td> <td> <blockquote> <font size=3 face=arial> <p>Wenn Käufer und Verkäufer geh n<br /> Und Nachbarn müde Nachbarn seh n  <br /> Denn  s wird am Markttag immer spät  <br /> Das Volk schon zu den Thoren geht;  <br /> Dann sitzt man noch bei m vollen Glase,<br /> Und trinkt sich eine rothe Nase,<br /> Denkt nicht an lange, schott sche Wege<br /> An Pfühle, Sümpfe, schmale Stege,<br /> Die wir passiren bis zu Hause,  <br /> Dort sitzt die Frau in warmer Klause,<br /> Verzieht den Mund, und spitzt das Ohr,<br /> Bereitet ihre Stürme vor. <p>Das fand Tam Shanter auch so wahr<br /> Als er in Ayr zu Markte war,<br /> Du altes Ayr, so schön zu schauen,<br /> Berühmt durch deine schönen Frauen! <p>O Tam!  S wär besser Dir bekommen,<br /> Du hätt st von Katie Rath genommen!<br /> Sie sagte Dir, Du sei st ein Säufer,<br /> Ein heis rer lüderlicher Keiser,<br /> Der vom November zum October,<br /> Im Leibe habe seinen Zober,<br /> Daß jedesmal wenn von der Mühl <br /> Zu Haus Du kämst, Du hätt st zu viel,<br /> Kein Pferd brächt st Du mehr nach dem Schmied<br /> Ohn Dich zu füllen und ihn mit,<br /> Du tränkst sogar am heil gen Sonntag<br /> Mit Küster-Jamie bis zum Montag;<br /> Sie sagte Dir, Du würdest ruh n,<br /> Ertrunken  mal im Bett des Doon,<br /> Im Dunkeln würden Dich die Hexen,<br /> Bei Alloway  mal abprofexen. <p>O, schöne Frau n, es kränkt mich sehr<br /> Daß mancher Rath, so weisheitsschwer,<br /> Den Ihr dem Mann gebt, wenn er irrt,<br /> Von jenem nur verachtet wird!  <p>Doch nun zur Sach : In jener Nacht<br /> Hat s unser Tam wie sonst gemacht.<br /> Er saß bei einem warmen Feuer,<br /> Die Freunde tranken ungeheuer,<br /> Und ihm zur Seite Souter John,<br /> Der war von Allen doch die Kron .<br /> Tam liebte ihn mit glühn den Flammen,<br /> Acht Tage war n sie schon beisammen,<br /> Stets durstig wie zwei alte Fässer,<br /> Und täglich ward das Ale noch besser.<br /> Tam und die Wirthin wurden warm,<br /> Er schlang um ihren Leib den Arm,<br /> John Souter wurde immer witz ger,<br /> Tam und die Wirthin immer hitz ger.<br /> Wie auch der Sturm dort draußen heule,<br /> Das treibt den Tam noch nicht zur Eile. <p>Wohl selten war ein Mann so selig<br /> Am Wirthshaustisch so froh und wählich!<br /> Wie munt re Bienen heimwärts fliegen,<br /> So flieht die Zeit bei dem Vergnügen;<br /> Wohl zu beneiden ist ein König,<br /> Doch Tam beneidete ihn wenig. <p>Doch, Lust ist wie der Mohn im Feld<br /> Der, rührt man d ran, zu Boden fällt;<br /> Wie auf dem Teich der fall nde Schnee,<br /> Erst weiß und glänzend  dann ade!<br /> Als wie das Nordlicht in der Höh ,<br /> Schau st Du nur hin, so sagt s: ade!<br /> Und wie der bunte Regenbogen,<br /> Deß Glanz in einem Nu verflogen.  <br /> Kein Mensch gebietet je den Zeiten,<br /> Die Stunde kommt, wo Tam muß reiten,<br /> Und, wenn er noch so sehr sich wehrt,<br /> Er muß jetzt aus sein kleines Pferd  <br /> Hu! Selten hat wohl solche Nacht<br /> Ein Mensch im Freien zugebracht!  <p>Es tobt der Wind, die Wolken treiben;<br /> Der Regen rasselt an die Scheiben;<br /> Dann zuckt ein feuerrother Strahl,<br /> Erhellt den Himmel allzumal.<br /> Das sieht doch wohl ein kleines Kind,<br /> Daß Hexen auf den Beinen sind. <p>Tam steigt auf seine Mähre Meg,<br />  Ne bess re trabte nie im Weg,<br /> Läßt Lehm und Moder um sich spritzen,<br /> Die Winde heulen, Blitze blitzen,<br /> Er hält die blaue Kappe fest,<br /> Ein altes Lied ertönen läßt,<br /> Und schaut sich um mit scheuem Blicke,<br /> Daß heimlich ihn kein Geist berücke.  <br /> Das mußt ja Alloway schon sein,<br /> Wo nächtlich die Gespenster schrei n!  <p>Jetzt kommt die Furth, wo, in dem Schnee,<br /> Der todte Kaufmann fault, o weh!<br /> Dann geht es durch das Birkenstück,<br /> Wo Carl, der Säufer, brach s Genick;<br /> Dann durch den Dorn, zersaus t vom Wind,<br /> Wo  n Jäger fand das todte Kind;<br /> Da ist der Steinchauf  dummes Ding!  <br /> Wo Mungo s Mutter sich erhing;<br /> Der Doon braus t vor ihm mit Gewalt,<br /> Der Sturm ras t heulend durch den Wald;<br /> Die Blitze geben fahlen Schein,<br /> Dumpf rollt der Donner hinterdrein,<br /> Da sieht er schimmernd durch das Grau,<br /> Kirk-Alloway, den alten Bau,<br /> Er strahlt im vollen Lichterglanze<br /> Und d rinnen lärmt s von wildem Tanze. <p>Gewalt ger, starker Gerstensaft<br /> O, was zu schau n giebst du uns Kraft!  <br /> Mit einem Räuschchen, ohne Zweifel,<br /> Scheert man sich nicht um Höll und Teufel!  <br /> Der Schweiß rann schon von Tammie s Stirn,<br /> Doch ließ er sich noch nicht verwirr n;<br /> Da bleibt die Maggie plötzlich steh n,<br /> Kein Sporn zwingt sie zum Weitergeh n,<br /> Sie scheuete sich vor dem Licht,<br /> Und Tam, sah, oh, ein graus Gesicht:<br /> <p> Sah Geister wild mit Hexen tanzen,<br /> Nicht Cotillon, gelernt vom Franzen,<br /> Doch Hornpipes, Jigs, beim Blitzesscheine,<br /> Fuhr jenem Spukzeug in die Beine.<br /> In einem Kirchenfenster saß<br /> Hu! Der leibhaft ge Satanas,<br /> Grau, schattenhaft, mit grimmem Blick<br /> Und machte zu dem Tanz Musik,<br /> Er kniff die Bag-Pipe, daß sie stöhnte,<br /> Und dumpf der alte Bau erdröhnte.<br /> Es standen off ne Särge da,<br /> In denen man die Todten sah.<br /> Das Hemde weiß, weiß das Gesicht,<br /> Und in der kalten Hand ein Licht.<br /> Bei diesem Lichterschein, so klar<br /> Sah deutlich Tam, auf dem Altar,<br /> Die Knochen von  nem armen Sünder,<br /> Zwei todte, ungetaufte Kinder;<br /> Ein Dieb, vom Galgen abgeschnitten,<br /> Und röchelnd noch, lag in der Mitten.<br /> Dann lagen Beile rings umher,<br /> Noch roth von Blut, und Säbel schwer,<br /> Ein Strumpfband, das ein Kind erstickte,<br /> Ein Messer, mit dem unlängst schickte,<br /> Der Sohn den Vater in das Land,<br /> Das allen Menschen unbekannt;<br /> Juristenzungen, lügenbunt,<br /> Wie n Bettlers Rock, wie n bunter Hund,<br /> Und Priesterherzen, schwarz wie Theer,<br /> Die lagen stinkend, rings umher<br /> Und noch viel and res Spukgerüll,<br /> Das ich nicht weiter nennen will.  <p>Wie Tammie starrte so mit Grausen,<br /> Der Tanz thät immer wilder brausen,<br /> Der Pfeifer immer lauter blies<br /> Und wilder hin die Tänzer riß;<br /> Sie flogen, saus ten, sprangen, flitzten,<br /> Bis alle Geister, rauchten, schwitzten<br /> Und warfen ihre Hemden fort  <br /> Nun geht s daohne  auf mein Wort!  <br /> <p>Nun Tam! O, Tam! Wär n das gewesen<br /> Vierschröt ge, tücht ge, dralle Besen,<br /> Die Hemden, anstatt Moder d rinnen,<br /> Von schönem, neuem, schott schem Linnen,<br /> Du hätt st Dein ein ges Hosenpaar,<br /> Das einstmals blau von Farbe war,<br /> O, Tam Du hätt st es, für Dein Leben,<br /> Für diese Vögel hingegeben!  <br /> Doch welke Hexen, gelb und alt,<br /> Die lassen Dich natürlich kalt,<br /> Hör sie nur mit den Knochen klappern<br /> Und mit zahnlosem Munde plappern!  <p>Und zwischen Allen; klein und krumm,<br /> Sprang eine Hexe wild herum;<br /> Sie war bekannt, vor langen Jahren,<br /> An Carricks Küste, bracht Gefahren,<br /> Macht Manchem untreu seine Frau,<br /> Besprengt das Korn mit gift gem Thau,<br /> Behext das Vieh, besprach das Brot,<br /> Und bracht der ganzen Gegend Noth.<br /> Ihr kurzes Hemd, der Zeit zum Hohn,<br /> Trug sie als kleines Mädchen schon;<br /> Es war nun etwas mürb und dünn,<br /> Doch überfroh die Trägerin.  <br /> Ah! Guten Morgen, Mutter Grannie!<br /> Das Hemd kauft st Du für Deine Nannie;<br /> Nun ist s auch leider nicht mehr ganz,<br /> Doch gut genug zum Hexentanz. <br><br><br><br><br> <p>Und wie Tam stand, ganz Aug und Ohr,<br /> Kam s selbst dem Satan spaßhaft vor;<br /> Er rückte lustig hin und her,<br /> Spielt wilder auf dem Geisterheer,<br /> Nun ging es erst, wie Fett und Flammen;<br /> Tam nahm all seinen Geist zusammen<br /> Und rief ganz laut:  Brav, alter Nick! <br /> Und dunkel ward s im Augenblick.  <br />  Fort, Maggie, jetzt gilt s sich zu packen!<br /> Die Hölle ist uns auf den Hacken! <p>Wie Bienen plötzlich schwärmen aus,<br /> Wenn man zu nah kommt ihrem Haus,<br /> Wie sie umschwärmen ihren Feind,<br /> Der s gar nicht  mal so schlimm gemeint;<br /> Wie sich das Marktvolk drängt und pufft,<br /> Wenn Einer:  Halt den Dieb! ausruft,<br /> So läuft die Meg, mit Blitzesschnelle<br /> Und hinter ihr die ganze Hölle. <p>O, Tam, nun straft man Deine Thaten,<br /> Du wirst wie n Hering nun gebraten!<br /> Umsonst sitzt Katie auf der Lauer,<br /> Bald trägt die Katie um Dich Trauer!<br /> Lauf Meg, es gilt des Tammie Glück!<br /> Gewinne nur die schmale Brück !<br /> Dort blase ihnen in s Gesicht,<br /> Sie dürfen über s Wasser nicht!  <br /> Doch eh erreicht die Brücke ganz,<br /> Packt Meg der Teufel bei dem Schwanz,<br /> Denn Graunie, weit den Ander n vor,<br /> Stürzt sich aus Tam, den armen Thor,<br /> Doch gab auf Maggie wenig Acht,<br /> Die ihr den Sieg bald streitig macht.<br /> Ein Sprung befreit den Herrn bald ganz,<br /> Doch, ach, verloren ging ihr Schwanz,<br /> Die Grannie packte dicht am Rumpf,<br /> Und ließ der Maggie kaum  nen Stumpf. <p>Die Ihr dies leset, allzumal,<br /> Merkt Euch davon nun die Moral:<br /> Wenn Ihr zum Trinken seid geneigt,<br /> Und gern zu Frau n in s Fenster steigt,<br /> Denkt, daß die Lust den Preis nicht werth,<br /> Und denkt an Tam o Shanter s Pferd!  </font> </blockquote> </td></tr> </table> </center> <blockquote> <img src="p/burns.jpg" alt="Robert Burns" width=203 height=297 align=right hspace=10> <p><b>Footnote:</b> It is a well-known fact that witches, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1212.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1212.html');">or</a> any evil spirits, have <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1203.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1203.html');">no</a> power to follow a poor <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1866.html" onmouseover="WinOpen('http://www.robertburns.org/works/glossary/1866.html');">wight</a> any further than the middle of the next running stream. It may be proper likewise to mention to the benighted traveller, that when he falls in with bogles, whatever danger may be in his going forward, there is much more hazard in turning back. - R. B. <p><b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/308.shtml">www.robertburns.org</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tam_o'_Shanter_(Burns_poem)">en.wikipedia.org</a>, <a href="http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Tam_o%27_Shanter">en.wikisource.org</a>, <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/6/310.html">www.bartleby.com</a> <p><b>Standard English Translation:</b> <a href="http://www.worldburnsclub.com/poems/translations/446.htm">www.worldburnsclub.com</a>, <a href="http://www.robertburns.org.uk/Assets/Poems_Songs/tamoshanter.htm">www.robertburns.org.uk</a> <p><b>Deutsche Übersetzung:</b> <a href="http://de.wikisource.org/wiki/Tam_O%E2%80%99Shanter">de.wikisource.org</a> (Adolf Wilhelm Ernst von Winterfeld) <p><b>Robert Burns @ FolkWorld:</b><br> <li><a href="../17/e/museum.html">The Scots Musical Museum (FW#17)</a><br> <li><a href="../36/e/news.html#alloway">Alloway Auld Kirk & Graveyard Restored (FW#37)</a> </blockquote> <br> <hr color="#ff0000"> <p><center> <font size=4> <a HREF="../index.html">Zurück zur FolkWorld</a><br> <a HREF="index.html">FolkWorld Fiction</a> </font> </center> <br> <font size=-1>&#169 <a HREF="../fw/staff.html">The Mollis</a> - Editors of <font face="Maiandra GD">FolkWorld</font>; Published 11/2008</font> <p><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=-2>All material published in FolkWorld is &#169 The Author via FolkWorld. Storage for private use is allowed and welcome. Reviews and extracts of up to 200 words may be freely quoted and reproduced, if source and author are acknowledged. For any other reproduction please ask the Editors for permission. Although any external links from FolkWorld are chosen with greatest care, FolkWorld and its editors do not take any responsibility for the content of the linked external websites. </font> <hr color="#0000CD"> <CENTER> <FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=-2>FolkWorld - Home of European Music</FONT><BR> <A HREF="http://www.folkworld.eu/"><IMG SRC="../p/fw.jpg" WIDTH="360" HEIGHT="54" BORDER="0" ALT="FolkWorld Home"></A> <BR> <FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=-2>Layout &amp; Idea of FolkWorld &#169 <a HREF="../fw/staff.html">The Mollis</a> - Editors of FolkWorld</FONT> </CENTER> </body> </html>