On Himself, upon Hearing What was his Sentence
On Himself, upon Hearing What was his Sentence
Original Text
[James Watson,] A Choice collection of comic and serious Scots poems, both ancient and modern. By several hands (Edinburgh: printed by James Watson and sold by J. Vallange, 1706-11). B-10 477 Fisher Rare Book Library
2Open all my veins, that I may swim
3To Thee, my Saviour, in that crimson lake;
4Then place my parboil'd head upon a stake,
5Scatter my ashes, throw them in the air:
6Lord (since Thou know'st where all these atoms are)
7I'm hopeful once Thou'lt recollect my dust,
8And confident thou'lt raise me with the just.
Notes
1] From 1644 Graham commanded the Royalist forces in Scotland during the Civil War. After several brilliant successes, he was defeated at Philiphaugh in September, 1645 and fled to Norway. In 1650 he returned to Scotland but was unable to raise followers, and was finally betrayed to the Parliament and executed in Edinburgh.
airth: quarter of the compass. Back to Line
airth: quarter of the compass. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1711
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
2RP.1.337; RPO 1996-2000.
Form