Poem of the day illustration

Thu Feb 19 2026

Poem of the day

The Invitation.

    The King's most humble servant I,
        Can scarcely spare a minute;
    But I am yours at dinner-time,
        Or else the devil's in it.

Robert Burns

Robert Burns

Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire, and various other names and epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. Born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, he is best known for works such as 'Auld Lang Syne,' 'Scots Wha Hae,' and 'A Red, Red Rose.' He passed away on July 21, 1796, in Dumfries.

Robert Burns