A Lovely Bit of Burns

Yesterday Scottish poet Robert Burns was mentioned. This poem is among his writings but had never encountered it before. It seemed a startling contrast to what one expects of Mr. Burns. It is a lovely paraphrase of the first Psalm.

Savor and enjoy, Dear Reader.

The man, in life wherever plac'd

Hath happiness in store,

Who walks not in the wicked's way,

Nor learns their guilty lore!

Nor from the seat of scornful pride

Casts forth his eyes abroad,

But with humility and awe

Still walks before his God.

That man shall flourish like the trees,

Which by the streamlets grow;

The fruitful top is spread on high,

And firm the root below.

But he whose blossom buds in guilt

Shall to the ground be cast,

And, like the rootless stubble, tost

Before the sweeping blast.

For why? that God the good adore,

Hath giv'n them peace and rest,

But hath decreed that wicked men

Shall ne'er be truly blest.