Inscription for an Altar of Independence
An inscription at Kerroughtree, Mr. Heron's seat, invites a person of independent mind to worship at a shrine. It addresses someone prepared to defy power, neither be nor own a slave, revere virtue, and fear only their own reproach.
By Robert Burns · Genre: Political Poetry, Poetry · 82 words
First lines
At Kerroughtree, the Seat of Mr. Heron.
Thou of an independent mind, / With soul resolv'd, with soul resign'd; / Prepar'd Power's proudest frown to brave, / Who wilt not be, nor have a slave; / Virtue alone who dost revere, / Thy own reproach alone dost fear- / Approach this shrine, and worship here.
Genres
- Political Poetry — The verse addresses resistance to power and refusal both to be enslaved and to own a slave.
- Poetry — Seven rhyming lines address an imagined worshipper and culminate in an invitation to approach the shrine.
Tags
independence · slavery · virtue · conscience · resistance to power · altar inscription
What this Textopian page supports
Inscription for an Altar of Independence is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Poetry, Poetry
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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