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Burns Night: Remembering Robert Burns most memorable quotes

'Green grow the rashes O, Green grow the rashes O'

Maya Oppenheim
Monday 25 January 2016 19:43 GMT
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A look back at the cultural icon's greatest quotes
A look back at the cultural icon's greatest quotes (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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Over two centuries have passed since Scottish poet Robert Burns died, but his legacy has lived on with Burns Night.

Marked every year on the iconic writer's birthday of 25 January, the annual tribute pays homage to his literary talents.

Having written hundreds of poems and songs during his lifetime, Burns has gone on to inspire the likes of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Bob Dylan with his lyrical flair.

A key source of inspiration to the founders of Liberalism and Socialism, the 18th century writer is known for his astute social commentary and political undertones.

Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

“But to see her was to love her, Love but her, and love forever”. Ae Fond Kiss, And Then We Sever

“I'm truly sorry man's dominion, Has broken Nature's social union”. To a Mouse, 1785

“Suspense is worse than disappointment”. Letter to Thomas Sloan,1791.

“Man's inhumanity to man, Makes countless thousands mourn”. Man was made to Mourn, 1786

“Lay the proud usurpers low! Tyrants fall in every foe! Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die!” Bruce to his Men at Bannockburn

“The best laid schemes o' mice and men, Gang aft a-gley; And leave us naught but grief and pain”. To a Mouse, 1785

“Green grow the rashes, O; Green grow the rashes, O; The sweetest hours that e'er I spend Are spent among the lasses, O”. Green Grow the Rashes, 1787

“Know, prudent, cautious, self-control, Is wisdom’s root”. A Bard’s Epitaph

“If naebody care for me, I'll care for naebody”. I Hae a Wife o' my Ain, 1788

“By Oppression's woes and pains! By your sons in servile chains! We will drain our dearest veins, But they shall be free!” Bruce to his Men at Bannockburn

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