NEAR the gate of the churchyard surrounding the ruin, and in which
“The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep,”
is the grave of Burns’s father. It is marked by a plain monumental stone, erected at the cost of the poet, and inscribed with a tender and touching epitaph, the effusion of his nicely-discriminating pen, and deeply imbued with filial affection and regard. It is as follows:-
“O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious revence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband’s dear remains,
The tender father, and the generous friend.
–
The pitying heart that felt for human woe;
The dauntless heart that feared no human pride;
The friend of man, to vice alone a foe;
‘For even his failings leaned to virtue’s side.’ ”
