Quote#World
Now a' is done that men can do
Quote byRobert Burns · 1759–1796
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Johnson's The Scots Musical Museum (1787–1796), It Was A' for Our Rightfu' King, st. 2.
English (original)
Now a' is done that men can do, And a' is done in vain.
— Robert Burns
More from Robert Burns
I'm truly sorry Man's dominion Has broken Nature's social union, An' justifies that ill opinion Which makes thee startle, At me, thy poor, earth-born companion, An' fellow-mortal!
All in this mottie, misty clime, I backward mus'd on wasted time, How I had spent my youthfu' prime An' done nae-thing, But stringing blethers up to rhyme For fools to sing.
Wee, sleekit, cow'rin', tim'rous beastie, O what a panic's in thy breastie! Thou need na start awa sae hasty, Wi' bickering brattle! I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee, Wi' murd'ring pattle!
Gin a body meet a body Comin thro' the rye, Gin a body kiss a body, Need a body cry?
The best laid schemes o' mice and men Gang aft a-gley; And leave us naught but grief and pain For promised joy.
When chill November's surly blast Made fields and forests bare.