Sir Walter Scott

Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish poet and novelist of the early 19th century. His narrative poetry, noted for its vivid depictions of Scottish history and landscape, includes works such as 'The Lady of the Lake' and 'Marmion'. Biography ↓More ↓

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Sir Walter Scott

The Truth of Woman

Woman's faith, and woman's trust - Write the characters in the dust; Stamp them on the running stream, Print them on the moon's pale beam, And each evanescent letter Shall be clearer, firmer, better, And more permanent, I ween, Than the thing those letters mean. I have strain'd the spider's thread 'Gainst the promise of a maid; I have weigh'd a grain of sand 'Gainst her plight of heart and hand; I told my true love of the token, How her faith proved light, and her word was broken: Again her word and truth she plight, And I believed them again ere night.

Sir Walter Scott

Patriotism 1. Innominatus

BREATHES there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land!' Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd As home his footsteps he hath turn'd From wandering on a foreign strand? If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no Minstrel raptures swell; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; Despite those titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung.

Biography

Born in 1771, Scott became the most widely read poet of his generation in Britain before turning to the novel. His poetic works include 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel', 'Marmion', and 'The Lady of the Lake', long narrative poems marked by their use of traditional Scottish folklore, chivalric themes, and dramatic storytelling set against the backdrop of the Borders and Highlands. His verse is characterized by rhythmic energy, descriptive richness, and a romanticised portrayal of medieval life. The poems helped shape the Romantic movement's fascination with national pasts and untamed nature. After achieving great popularity as a poet, he shifted to prose and effectively invented the historical novel with works like 'Waverley'. His poetry remains significant for its role in popularising Scottish heritage and historical romance. Scott also served as a sheriff and clerk of session in Edinburgh, where he was active in literary circles. He died in 1832, leaving a lasting impact on both poetry and narrative fiction.

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