Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BORDER BALLAD [OR MARCH, OR SONG], FR. THE MONASTERY by WALTER SCOTT

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: MARCH, MARCH, ETTRICK, AND TEVIOTDALE
Last Line: WHEN THE BLUE BONNETS CAME OVER THE BORDER.
Subject(s): PATRIOTISM;

MARCH, march, Ettrick and Teviotdale!
Why the de'il dinna ye march forward in order?
March, march, Eskdale and Liddesdale!
All the Blue Bonnets are over the Border!
Many a banner spread
Flutters above your head,
Many a crest that is famous in story! --
Mount and make ready, then,
Sons of the mountain glen,
Fight for the queen and our old Scottish glory.

Come from the hills where your hirsels are graz-
ing;
Come from the glen of the buck and the roe;
Come to the crag where the beacon is blazing;
Come with the buckler, the lance, and the bow.
Trumpets are sounding;
War-steeds are bounding;
Stand to your arms, and march in good order,
England shall many a day
Tell of the bloody fray,
When the Blue Bonnets came over the Border.



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