Verses Intended to be Written below a Noble Earl
The verses praise Glencairn as a noble figure of courage, generosity, and princely dignity, admired even by rooted foes. His brow and fiery eye are presented as so exceptional that only the hand responsible for vernal tints could truly portray them. He moves with the brightness and majesty of a cloudless summer sun, while his guardian Seraph watches his beloved ward with awe. Among Scotia’s illustrious sons, Glencairn stands out as the chief upon whom Scotia lovingly fixes her gaze.
By Robert Burns · First published 1808 · Genre: Panegyric Poetry, Occasional Poetry, Portrait Poem · 154 words
First lines
The Nobleman is James, Fourteenth Earl of Glencairn.
Whose is that noble, dauntless brow? / And whose that eye of fire? / And whose that generous princely mien, / E'en rooted foes admire?
Stranger! to justly show that brow, / And mark that eye of fire, / Would take His hand, whose vernal tints / His other works admire.
Bright as a cloudless summer sun, / With stately port he moves; / His guardian Seraph eyes with awe / The noble Ward he loves.
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Genres
- Panegyric Poetry — The poem is an overt work of praise celebrating James, Fourteenth Earl of Glencairn, emphasizing his noble appearance, courage, generosity, and public stature.
- Occasional Poetry — It was composed for a specific occasion and purpose: to accompany or be placed beneath a portrait of the Earl of Glencairn.
- Portrait Poem — The verses interpret and exalt the subject of a visual portrait, focusing on the Earl's brow, eyes, bearing, and implied character.
- Lyric Poetry — Its brief, musical stanzas and elevated emotional expression place it within the lyric tradition rather than narrative or dramatic verse.
Tags
Scottish nobility · Earl of Glencairn · James Cunningham · aristocratic portrait · praise poem · panegyric · occasional verse · Scottish patriotism · national identity · Scotia personified · heroic admiration · noble dignity
What this Textopian page supports
Verses Intended to be Written below a Noble Earl's Picture is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1808 CE.
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: 1808 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Panegyric Poetry, Occasional Poetry, Portrait Poem, Lyric Poetry, Encomium
- Length: 154 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
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