Lyrics of Burns

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 291, 4 September 1931, Page 11

Lyrics of Burns

Sir, —One can easily understand Mr. George Stark’s discomfiture through having to admit the fact that only 75 per cent, of the items on the Burns programme last January were compositions of Burns, and he can readily be forgiven when he expresses the wish to withdraw from the controversy, and escape from the untenable position he has placed himself in. Why Mr. Stark should be so wroth, and consider it “an insult to ths intelligence of any Scotsman” to. include “Rule! Britannia” and “Ye Mariners of England” in a Scottish programme, is difficult to understand. Strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless a notorious fact that It was not until the union with England at the beginning of the eighteenth century that Scotland came into any prominence, and that was due entirely to the fact that Scotsmen outdid the Englishmen in. manifestations of patriotism for the united realm, and so played no inconsiderable part in building up that Empire to which all of us are proud to belong. Why then should the singing of the songs above-mentioned be an insult to the intelligence of Scotsmen? We have every reason to be happy in the thought that when the occasion arose there were Scotsmen who could escape from their parochial fetters and take their places in the forefront of the world’s greatest statesmen, soldiers, sailors, poets, historians, explorers, and so on, and leave their mark on the Empire’s history. There is far too much parochialism in . the ordinary Scottish society, and it would seem as if its main functions were the preservation of various dialects euphemistically called “the Doric,” which, to a •large extent is mere English mutilated in both’ pronunciation and spelling, and drinking to the toast, “Here’s tae us, and wha’s like us.” Surely the time has arrived when phases of Scottish life and history other than these should be revealed to. the outside world, and in this the Scottish Society would be carrying out its true function. Might I here suggest to Mr. Stark that a programme featuring Scotland's contribution in song and poetry to the Empire’s patriotic impulses would be well worthy of consideration, especially at this time when the patriotic spirit is so sorely in need of revival Did not Burns himself give a lead in this direction, and what clearer call to the nation could be made than his famous lines,-* written at a time when Britain was threatened with invasion?— “Be Britain still to Britain true. Amang oursel’s united; For never but by British hands ■ Maun British wrangs be righted.” > In this sentiment Burns comes into line with James Thomson in his “Rule! Brit-, annia,” and Thomas Campbell with hia. “Ye Mariners of England,” and the senti-' meat is one which no Scotsman need be ashamed of. “Peace hath her victories, no less renowned than war," and we have a singular example of this truth in the heroic and patriotic action of the present Scottish-born British Prime Minister, who is ably carrying on the tradition of Burns,/ Thomson, and Campbell in making the well-being of the Empire' his first con-, sideration. The subject is brimful of possibilities. Regarding Mr. Stark’s theory of the difficulties of the “Doric” he “maks owre big a sang aboot It.” It is only necessary to name a few of the greatest singers who.' have visited Wellington to refute his contention. “Jock Tamson” remembers Madame Lunn singing “Auld Robin' Gray” in the Town Hall. Wellington, and she did it perfectly, and other instances could be given if space permitted. Finally, in regard to Mr. Stark’s ob-1 serrations on what is expected of the Burns Club, I never suggested that only Burns’s songs should be sung at all its. meetings, and the difficulties he postu-' lates do not arise. I say again that when, “Nichts wi’ Burns” are held, or lectureson Burns or his works given, only selections from the poet’s own compositions should be rendered. I know that the Bums Club has a much wider scope than its name implies. It appeals to a wider circle in that it is not limited to the Scottish-born, and I understand it aims at the study of Scottish literature other than Burns’s, so that while its members are not studying Burns, they need not feel under any obligation to sing his songs or recite his poetry. 'lf I have helped in any way to bring home to the bodies responsible the advisability of making their programmes fit in with the objects in view, then my rais--ing the question shall not have been invain. I know the views I have expressed are held by many others, including some who have no Scots blood in their veins, but who nevertheless are admirers of Burns, and can read and understand his writings with pleasure, and withal have a true sense of the fitness of things.—l am, etc., r JOCK TAMSON. Wellington, August 28.