Tam Samson’s Elegy (Poem by Robert Burns)

Tam Samson’s Elegy [1]

By Robert Burns

Has auld Kilmarnock seen the deil?

Or great M’Kinlay [2] thrawn his heel?

Or Robinson [3] again grown weel,

                To preach an’ read?

“Na, waur than a’!” cries ilka chiel,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

Kilmarnock lang may grunt an’ grane,

An’ sigh, an’ sob, an’ greet her lane,

An’ cleed her bairns, man, wife, an wean,

                In mourning weed;

To death, she’s dearly paid the kane,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

The brethren o’ the mystic level

May hing their head in woefu’ bevel,

While by their nose the tears will revel,

                Like ony bead;

Death’s gien the lodge an unco devel,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

When Winter muffles up his cloak,

And binds the mire like a rock;

When to the lochs the curlers flock,

                Wi’ gleesome speed,

Wha will they station at the cock?

                Tam Samson’s dead!

He was the king o’ a’ the core,

To guard or draw, or wick a bore,

Or up the rink like Jehu roar

                In time o’ need;

But now he lags on death’s hog-score,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

Now safe the stately sawmont sail,

And trouts be-dropp’d wi’ crimson hail,

And eels weel ken’d for souple tail,

                And geds for greed,

Since dark in death’s fish-creel we wail

                Tam Samson dead.

Rejoice, ye birring patricks a’;

Ye cootie moor-cocks, crousely craw;

Ye maukins, cock your fud fu’ braw,

                Withouten dread;

Your mortal fae is now awa’—

                Tam Samson’s dead!

That woefu’ morn be ever mourn’d

Saw him in shootin’ graith adorn’d,

While pointers round impatient burn’d,

                Frae couples freed;

But, Och! he gaed and ne’er return’d!

                Tam Samson’s dead!

In vain auld age his body batters;

In vain the gout his ancles fetters;

In vain the burns cam’ down like waters,

                An acre braid!

Now ev’ry auld wife, greetin’, clatters,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

Owre many a weary hag he limpit,

An’ ay the tither shot he thumpit,

Till coward death behind him jumpit,

                Wi’ deadly feide;

Now he proclaims, wi’ tout o’ trumpet,

                Tam Samson’s dead!

When at his heart he felt the dagger,

He reel’d his wonted bottle swagger,

But yet he drew the mortal trigger

                Wi’ weel-aim’d heed;

“L—d, five!” he cry’d, an’ owre did stagger;

                Tam Samson’s dead!

Ilk hoary hunter mourn’d a brither;

Ilk sportsman youth bemoan’d a father;

Yon auld grey stane, amang the heather,

                Marks out his head,

Whare Burns has wrote in rhyming blether

                Tam Samson’s dead!

There low he lies, in lasting rest;

Perhaps upon his mould’ring breast

Some spitefu’ muirfowl bigs her nest,

                To hatch an’ breed;

Alas! nae mair he’ll them molest!

                Tam Samson’s dead!

When August winds the heather wave,

And sportsmen wander by yon grave,

Three volleys let his mem’ry crave

                O’ pouther an’ lead,

’Till echo answer frae her cave

                Tam Samson’s dead!

Heav’n rest his soul, whare’er he be!

Is th’ wish o’ mony mae than me;

He had twa fauts, or may be three,

                Yet what remead?

Ae social, honest man want we:

                Tam Samson’s dead!

EPITAPH.

Tam Samson’s weel-worn clay here lies,

Ye canting zealots spare him!

If honest worth in heaven rise,

Ye’ll mend or ye win near him.

PER CONTRA.

Go, Fame, an’ canter like a filly

Thro’ a’ the streets an’ neuks o’ Killie,

Tell ev’ry social honest billie

To cease his grievin’,

For yet, unskaith’d by death’s gleg gullie,

Tam Samson’s livin’.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] When this worthy old sportsman went out last muirfowl season, he supposed it was to be, in Ossian’s phrase, “the last of his fields.”

[2]A preacher, a great favourite with the million. Vide the Ordination, stanza II

[3]Another preacher, an equal favourite with the few, who was at that time ailing. For him see also the Ordination, stanza IX.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns, the beloved Scottish poet, had a remarkable talent for capturing the essence of everyday life and the people who inhabited it. In his poem "Tam Samson’s Elegy," Burns pays a touching tribute to a dear friend and sporting legend, Tam Samson. This analysis explores the themes, emotions, and stylistic elements of the poem, revealing Burns' deep admiration for Tam Samson and his contribution to the world of sports and camaraderie.

1. The Poet's Lament: The poem opens with a solemn and mournful tone, immediately informing the reader that Tam Samson has passed away. The title itself, "Elegy," signals that this is a poem of mourning and remembrance. Burns sets the stage for a heartfelt tribute to his friend, focusing on the impact Samson had on the community.
2. Community Mourning: The poem underscores the profound impact of Tam Samson's passing on the community of Kilmarnock. The town is depicted as mourning his loss with sighs, sobs, and tears. Samson's death touches every aspect of life in the town, from men and women to children. The image of clothing "bairns, man, wife, an wean, in mourning weed" emphasizes the widespread grief and sense of unity in their mourning.
3. A Respected Figure: Burns paints Tam Samson as a figure of great respect and importance in the community. He was evidently highly regarded, and his passing is deeply felt. The poem portrays him as the "king o' a' the core," emphasizing his leadership within a sporting group or club. He was skilled at various sports, from curling to shooting and fishing, and was known for his prowess and fearlessness.
4. A Farewell to Sport: The poem touches on the collective sense of loss within the sports community, particularly the curlers who would station him at the "cock." His absence leaves a void in the sporting world, marking the end of an era. The loss of such a skilled sportsman is mourned not only by those who knew him personally but also by the sporting enthusiasts in the wider community.
5. A Final Farewell: The elegy concludes with a plea for a lasting memorial to Tam Samson. The mention of "August winds" and "echo" suggests that his memory should be honored annually with a salute from his fellow sportsmen. Burns hopes that Tam Samson will find eternal rest, and he expresses the sentiment that, despite his flaws, the community has lost a beloved and irreplaceable member.

"Tam Samson’s Elegy" by Robert Burns is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a beloved friend and esteemed sportsman. Through vivid language and emotional resonance, Burns conveys the depth of the community's grief and the impact Tam Samson had on their lives. The elegy serves as a testament to the power of friendship and camaraderie, as well as the importance of commemorating those who leave a lasting mark on their communities. Burns' poem remains a touching and timeless tribute to Tam Samson's memory and his contribution to the world of sports and fellowship.