The Poet ~ Robert Burns was born 25 January 1759 and passed away 21 July 1796. He was the national poet of Scotland who wrote lyrics and songs in Scots and English. He was also famous for his rebellion against orthodox religion and morality. Burns is recognised the world over for his work focusing on universal themes of love and nature. Traditional dishes of haggis and whisky and recitals of his best loved work are celebrated on a national day named after him in Scotland - the 25th of January. Despite leading a busy life and accomplishing so much as a poet he passed away at 37 of rheumatic fever. Known as somewhat of a ladies man, Burns fathered 12 children to four different women. His last born child, Maxwell, was born on the same day as his funeral.
Our Reader ~ Mark Neilson is a versatile New Zealand actor and creative whose career spans film, television, theatre, and writing. Raised by charismatic parents (both Educators) and attending school in Milton, Mark has a raft of film, television, advertising, and theatre roles under his belt and brings a grounded authenticity to his craft. He is also a skilled voice artist and puppeteer, known for his wide range of dialects and physical performance skills.
Lines to an Old Sweetheart
Once fondly lov’d, and still remember’d dear,
Sweet early object of my youthful vows,
Accept this mark of friendship, warm, sincere,
Friendship! ’tis all cold duty now allows.
And when you read the simple artless rhymes,
One friendly sigh for him—he asks no more,
Who, distant, burns in flaming torrid climes,
Or haply lies beneath th’ Atlantic roar.