# Reply to the Toast of Scottish Poets explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

The speaker responds to a toast honoring Scottish poets, celebrating the contributions of Burns, Scott, Campbell, Tannahill, Hogg, and McKay to Scottish song and literature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity

The poem celebrates Scottish poets and their enduring cultural legacy, reinforcing a sense of national pride and identity.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Burns

Celebrated for singing sweetly behind the plow and for his Scottish songs.

### Sir Walter Scott

Praised for his romancing rhymes of chivalry from ancient times.

### Thomas Campbell

Lauded as the sweet Bard of hope for tender feeling.

### Ettrick Shepherd

Gained fame by singing 'when the Kie comes hame'.

### Tom McKay

Mentioned as the Bard McKay who cheerfully cheers the way with good time coming.

## Key lines

> Burns sang so sweet behind the plow, Daisies we’ll wreath around his brow

Robert Burns, who wrote poetry while working as a farmer, is honored with a wreath of daisies.

_Highlights Burns's humble origins and his poetic genius._

> Scott he did write romancing rhymes Of chivalry of ancient times

Sir Walter Scott composed romantic poems about medieval chivalry.

_References Scott's historical romances._

> For tender feeling none can cope With Campbell the sweet Bard of hope

No one can match Thomas Campbell's gentle and hopeful poetry.

_Praises Campbell's emotional depth and optimism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/reply-to-the-toast-of-scottish-poets
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters