A Man’s a Man for A’ That

    

                           A Man’s a Man for A’ That

“A Man’s a Man for A’ That” is the title of the poem written by Robert Burns (1759—1796).  He was a Scottish peasant who founded his poetry on the popular folk-songs  and ballads of his Lowland countryside.  Providence had, however, granted him the skills of a great artist.  His style is plain but the subject matter of his poetry which is largely autobiographical, is universal. .

Burns wrote both in Scottish dialect and standard English.  According to several critics , he is one of the greatest poets of his time.  Kate O’Brien says  Burns added to the natural qualities of folk-poetry, a grace, a finish and a humour of his own. The elemental feelings of humanity , the massive fun and pathos and passion of the natural man become , in his hands, the stuff of immortal poetry.

            In the lyrical  poem mentioned above   Burns argues that  the true worth  of man is not reflected in his wealth, rank and material possessions   but in  his  personal  qualities like honest poverty.

            “Is there for honest poverty

            That hangs his head, an’ a’ that;

            The coward slave ----we pass him by,

            We dare be poor for a’ that!

            For a’ that, an’ a’ that

            Our toils obscure an’ a’ that,

            The rank is but the guinea’s stamp.

              The man’s is the gowd for a’that.

           

            What though on homely fare we dine,

            Wear boddin grey, an’ a’ that

            Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine.

            For a’ that, an’ a’ that

            Their tinsel show an’ a’ that,

            The honest man, tho’ e’er sae poor,

            Is king o’ men for a’that.

            ………………………………………………….

            Then let us pray that come it may,

            (As come it will for a’ that,}

            That Sense and Worth o’er,  a’ the earth,

            Shall bear the gree, an’ a’ that

            For a’ that, a’ that,

            It’s coming yet for a’ that,

            That man to man, the world o’er,

            Shall brothers be for a’ that

                        **********            

            G.R.Kanwal

            13^h July 2023