Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime

"Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime" is an English poem written by Robert Burns.

Lyrics

Why should we idly waste our prime
:Repeating our oppressions?
Come rouse to arms! 'Tis now the time
:To punish past transgressions.
'Tis said that Kings can do no wrong —
:Their murderous deeds deny it,
And, since from us their power is sprung,
:We have a right to try it.
Now each true patriot's song shall be: —
:'Welcome Death or Libertie!'

Proud Priests and Bishops we'll translate
:And canonize as Martyrs;
The guillotine on Peers shall wait;
:And Knights shall hang in garters.
Those Despots long have trode us down,
:And Judges are their engines:
Such wretched minions of a Crown
:Demand the people's vengeance!
To-day 'tis ''theirs''. To-morrow we
:Shall don the Cap of Libertie!

The Golden Age we'll then revive:
:Each man will be a brother;
In harmony we all shall live,
:And share the earth together;
In Virtue train'd, enlighten'd Youth
:Will love each fellow-creature;
And future years shall prove the truth
:That Man is good by nature:
Then let us toast with three times three
:The reign of Peace and Libertie!

Poetry by Robert Burns

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