In this 19th season of the Well Read Poem, the principal theme of the six poems selected is that of Death. We selected these poems to provide a variety of imaginative treatments of what Henry James called "The Distinguished Thing", drawing on the writings of poets of different centuries, cultures and perspectives. We hope they are enjoyable, illuminating, and not so dismal as to discolor anyone's summer.

Today's selection is "The Twa Corbies" of anonymous Scottish origin. Readings begin at timestamps 4:25 and 8:45.

To learn more about this podcast and host Thomas Banks, visit https://www.theliterary.life/the-well-read-poem/.

The Twa Corbies

Anonymous, Scottish

As I was walking all alane, I heard twa corbies making a mane; The tane unto the t’other say, ‘Where sall we gang and dine the day?’

‘In behind yon auld fail dyke, I wot there lies a new slain knight; And naebody kens that he lies there, But his hawk, his hound, and his lady fair.

‘His hound is to the hunting gane, His hawk to fetch the wild-fowl hame, His lady’s ta’en another mate, So we may make our dinner sweet.

‘Ye’ll sit on his white hause-bane, And I’ll pike out his bonny blue een; Wi ae lock o his gowden hair, We’ll theek our nest when it grows bare.

‘Mony an ane for him makes mane, But nane sall ken whare he is gane; Oer his white banes, when they are bare, The wind sall blaw for evermair.’