In his article “The Mystery of Banockburn”, Jeff Nisbit shines some light on one of Scotland’s most famous tales. Not everyone will agree that the points raised in this article are true but there is no doubt that the ideas and insights he provides will lead to many future discussions on the subject. One of the most famous stories from the battle is centred around the Scot’s kneeling on the battle-field which is mentioned both in this poem and in Jeff’s article. Not only does Jeff provide an interesting explanation for what was really happening in that moment but much more besides. I would highly recommend reading the full article which can be found here to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of our history and who we are. http://www.mythomorph.com/wp/the-mystery-of-bannockburn/
“In the pre-dawn darkness of June 24 the Scots quietly approach the English army, and succeed in drawing a battleline closer than English prudence should have allowed. As both sides face off, the Scots suddenly kneel in prayer. King Edward thinks they are kneeling to him for mercy while, behind him, Venus has already risen, followed by Orion and the sun. Could the widely reported event have been orchestrated to serve a double purpose—one prayer for the moment, one hidden for posterity?” Jeff Nisbit
Bannockburn
My country’s bravest battle-field!
What Scottish heart but turns to thee;
Where Bruce stood forth, a sword and shield,
To turn the tide of tyranny?
The charter of our liberty
Was laid with Wallace in his urn,,
Till Bruce made out the new decree-
“Twas sign’d and seal’d at Bannockburn.
“Hah! see! the recreants yield amain,”
Proud Edward cries, “they kneel to me!”
Vain fool! too well this bloody plain
Shall tell who owns their fealty.
The shock of battle’s past! – they flee!
On Scotland’s hills their backs they turn;
Greece had but one Thermopyle!
And Scotland had a Bannockburn!
And Freedom on the victory smiled,
And vow’d to Heav’n on bended knee,
That “Caledonia, stern and wild,”
For evermore her home should be:-
And, while the Tweed flows down to the sea,
While patriot-bosoms breathe and burn,
Shall Caledonia turn to thee,
Thou glorious field of Bannockburn.
Thank Heav’n those iron times are o’er,
And union smiles on either land,
Tweed parts two rivals now no more,
But joins two sisters hand in hand:
No more alternate victories yield,
For maids and matrons, cause to mourn,,
Nor England wails a Bannockburn.
But still, thy sons from age to age,
My country! at the name shall glow –
The brightest in thy history’s page,
And it is meet it should be so,
The spirits of the mighty dead,
Their cold, degenerate sons would spurn,
Could they forget who fought and bled
For them and thee at Bannockburn.
Published in the Renfrewshire Annual, 1842
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