Robert Burns Poem: To A Mouse + Modern English Translation

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  • Опубликовано: 8 янв 2025

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  • @cheesecakelasagna
    @cheesecakelasagna 4 года назад +17

    As someone whose first language isn't English, I truly appreciate modern English translations of past literature. It's a great way to introduce ideas and stories.

  • @hulleeseeya
    @hulleeseeya 2 года назад +2

    I'm they call First Nations now (we had been know North American "Indians") I used to teach at an all native (First Nations) school. One of my lectures was called "what we owe to Robie Burns." His class jumping and nature loving publications were very much the way we think now.

  • @Malkie1995
    @Malkie1995 3 года назад +8

    I remember having to remember this off by heart when I was 7/8 in primary 4 and I was so nervous but 12/13 years later I now love this poem and it’s definitely one of the best poems of all time

  • @stellaro519
    @stellaro519 2 года назад +3

    We enjoyed this on this chilly November night and felt for the mousie and the man.

  • @bobstanza6527
    @bobstanza6527 3 года назад +17

    Exactly what I was looking for. Hearing the poem spoken and having it translated bridges the gap and allows me to enjoy his works. Thank you, Alastair, I just bought your Burns Nature book on audible!

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  3 года назад

      Thanks for buying the book Bob! I'm working on a couple more, Robert Burns - Love Poems and Robert Burns - Funny Poems. I do it because I'm a fan of Burns, (not for the money), and its great to hear people are enjoying them.

  • @nathanlongan
    @nathanlongan 4 года назад +4

    A million thanks! That was one of the best eight minutes I have ever spent on RUclips! I just bought the electronic version on Amazon, and will write a review. Again, thank you for this video!

  • @EvaDreslerová-q7o
    @EvaDreslerová-q7o 22 дня назад

    Dear Alastair, I 've truly enjoyed you reading the original version and even more the modern translation, thanks to which I finally got the message of this unique poem. You have made my day. Best regards.Eva

  • @billblazek3062
    @billblazek3062 Месяц назад

    Excellent!! Thank you for put this out here for all to see.
    Ditto on what everyone else has said here.
    I'm glad to see so many others found and liked your reading and modern translation.
    Keep up the great work!

  • @chrislawrence4008
    @chrislawrence4008 6 лет назад +13

    Thank you so much for a mellifluous, lyrical reading of the Burns poem in a truly authentic brogue! What a treat! And your translation into modern English was very useful, not only in understanding all of the poem, but in applying the larger theme of controlling one’s destiny to Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men”. Lenny, like the mouse, is challenged only by the present, while his more intelligent companion, George, will continue to regret the past as well as to fear the future.

    • @TintagelEmrys
      @TintagelEmrys Год назад

      I also very much recommend Billy Connolly's reading. He does a great job.

  • @danakapoostinsky8337
    @danakapoostinsky8337 6 лет назад +33

    When I heard your accent I got really excited because of how fitting it is for this poem!

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  6 лет назад +6

      Thanks Dananana ! I'm glad you liked it :-)

  • @chollatech
    @chollatech 7 лет назад +9

    I nice rendition for Burns' Night. such a great poem for anyone who appreciates a balanced walk upon the earth

  • @Pearly056
    @Pearly056 4 года назад +2

    This was very well done. My grandpa treated me to this poem only one time, then he said "Remember Robert Burns" He was not one to recite poetry, but for me he did. Mother said that he used to refer to me as his wee mouse. So thank you for the translation. It sounded like Grandpa.

  • @francesduff9405
    @francesduff9405 4 года назад +2

    My father used to read and quote these poems. I always loved them. He had a record of someone reading them as well. Thanks you for your work.

  • @raymondgill9796
    @raymondgill9796 Год назад +1

    Thank you I am just discovering Burns and really enjoyed this finding it both moving and informative. I am off in search of your audio books.

  • @stephenrhody828
    @stephenrhody828 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for posting such an accessible and clear presentation of this famous poem by Robert Burns. Your generosity in sharing and explaining the cultural experience passed down from your father is much appreciated! I am a Canadian of Scottish ancestry, and have read this poem in print all my life, as it is a very well known work of English literature. Yet I always knew, when I would try to recite it, that my pronunciation was far from the original. To hear a native speaker recite the poem gives me a chance to finally perfect my Scots pronunciation.
    Furthermore, I have understood the general meaning of the lines and the touching yet reflective theme of the poem for many years, but certain words of the Scots vocabulary were not clear to me. Your understanding that greater clarity of the meaning of the words for those who don’t know the dialect was bang on. Hearing the modern English translation has made the subtleties of the poem clearer to me. It is indeed a classic work with a very meaningful message about humanity’s relationship with nature

  • @ralphreinert
    @ralphreinert 4 года назад +3

    I have loved this poem since reading it as a child. It is nice to hear it in the proper accent.

  • @keithross3418
    @keithross3418 Месяц назад

    Found you and love your reading of Robbie Burns..my husband Keith grew with a father that would very often recite Burns. I heard and enjoyed his recitations. Keith is one of 14 children . A much younger sister has said it really irked her when her dad would recite his favourite poems....NOW she realizes what she missed by dismissing something that was t available to all. I'm ancient but will be purchasing your books...in particular I will purchase and send the audio version to Keith's younger sister....your recitals are lovely.

  • @Redrynn
    @Redrynn 5 лет назад +2

    This has always been one of my favorites of all time. Simple but powerful. Thank you for this recital.

  • @beckerhambabe
    @beckerhambabe 7 лет назад +8

    Excellent reading of the original and modern translation! Thank you so much. I am using this for my English class leading in to teaching John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men as I have read that this poem influenced his creation of the title.

  • @patricepennington5627
    @patricepennington5627 3 года назад +2

    We have watched your review in all my American Literature classes today. Thanks so much for the authentic reading and translation.

  • @chedca
    @chedca Год назад +1

    thank you!
    the best thing about Burns poems are the people they brought me near to

  • @MaryPGalbraith
    @MaryPGalbraith 4 года назад +2

    I have so enjoyed listening to your recital of the poem and your explanatory translation and pronunciation. Thank you. As you can see by my name, I have Scots ancestry; my father and grandparents were from Ayrshire. The poem is the most touching identification with our fellow creatures-- and then with ourselves -- ever written.

  • @kimpressionist
    @kimpressionist 7 лет назад +13

    Thank you so much, such a beautiful recital and a well done translation.

  • @janetsilverman4976
    @janetsilverman4976 Год назад +1

    What a wonderfully authentic reading and translation of Burn's poem! Thank you for sharing your insight! Best of luck to you on your writing career! Please keep narrating your writing on audio too!

  • @anjleen4956
    @anjleen4956 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for reciting both the original and modern version of Burns' poem. loved it and the extra information that you provided about the composition of this poem

  • @virgil015
    @virgil015 2 месяца назад

    I thouroughly enjoyed your reading. Best RUclips on this poem. Thank you.

  • @1psafa
    @1psafa 3 года назад +2

    As a Scot living in USA I was so glad it was done in a Scottish accent my brother love Robert Burns and so did my my father. Now I find my grandson also is into him which came with a great surprise but it’s nice to see the traditions carried on my mother always told me we were related To him through the name armor I think that’s how you spell it anyway keep up the good work cheers

  • @susanwarrow775
    @susanwarrow775 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for this. I show it to my students each year when we finish reading "Of Mice and Men" so that they better understand the title.

  • @DuaneHHLyon
    @DuaneHHLyon 3 года назад +3

    Deep water...good job mate...June 15, 2021 USA. Duane H.H. Lyon

  • @clutchmonkeys
    @clutchmonkeys 7 лет назад +6

    Thank you! Very much the recitals. Going on Amazon tonight to buy your book.

  • @Kerry-ONeill
    @Kerry-ONeill 3 года назад

    Great voice. Best reciting of Robert Burns I’ve ever heard. Thanks

  • @FoohMaxAgility
    @FoohMaxAgility 2 года назад +1

    You are doing a great service to Burns, and to mankind, in making his work intelligible outside of Scotland. I know there is a movement not to dilute the Scots dialect, so this is an excellent compromise.

  • @williamjohnston9512
    @williamjohnston9512 9 месяцев назад +1

    This is the best I have listened to. Thankyou

  • @anniewilliams6502
    @anniewilliams6502 6 лет назад +2

    Thank you, Alastair. I enjoyed both readings very much.

  • @donlovejoy7907
    @donlovejoy7907 3 года назад +1

    I love this poem and I think your reading of it was fantastic. Thank you!

  • @marsanabriaesquivel2289
    @marsanabriaesquivel2289 2 месяца назад

    The way you read this poem is beautiful. I'm glad I found your video because now I can understand the poem's meaning. I hope you become a greater known author! Good day!

  • @davidtop2
    @davidtop2 4 года назад +1

    I enjoyed that very much sir. Thank you kindly for your time, it made for a pleasant afternoon break! -David

  • @kathykolb3463
    @kathykolb3463 3 года назад

    Wonderful! Delightful recitation and meaningful but concise comments.

  • @donaldmckinnon4298
    @donaldmckinnon4298 3 года назад

    Thank you for the original and the modern translation. What a great poem and the back story is a very nice addition. Well done.

  • @godfreybroad3300
    @godfreybroad3300 7 лет назад +4

    Delightful subject and recital - many thanks.

  • @dal_riata_music
    @dal_riata_music 4 года назад +6

    Cheers tae yir guid sel fir thon braw recital, brither!

  • @andrewglen5393
    @andrewglen5393 11 месяцев назад

    Excellent reading and informative background to this great poem

  • @markbdubois2342
    @markbdubois2342 4 года назад +1

    What a joy to hear this. Thank you for reading both versions.

  • @peedubu
    @peedubu 3 года назад +3

    Excellent! Moving!
    Alastair, you did an amazing interpretation of the poem. The Robert Burns poem is in itself a heartbreaking apology from a man for its destruction of the environment - and it is so clear than way back in 1785 Robert Burns knew how corrupt humans were and their propensity for tyranny over the lives of others. This video is perfect in every way and sublime! - I Subscribed in 2021

    • @peedubu
      @peedubu 3 года назад

      I am an Asian - living in Australia, and I love it

  • @corryriley615
    @corryriley615 4 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed listening to you !
    Really good to hear in old Scots and the modern interpretation !

  • @jimwelch822
    @jimwelch822 5 лет назад +3

    Thank you Alastair for the excellent reading and explanation. Book on order now. (From an American Ayrshire Scot descendant.)

  • @tomf4889
    @tomf4889 Год назад

    Alastair, thanks. After listening to this I just bought your audiobook.

  • @trevorcoltman8759
    @trevorcoltman8759 Год назад

    Excellent. My father used to recite parts of it but no translation.
    His observations are still valid today, probably more so as we have more to worry about.
    Thanks.

  • @markpritchett3543
    @markpritchett3543 3 года назад

    Really liked your recital. It makes me want to learn more. Thank you

  • @taratheliberator00
    @taratheliberator00 4 года назад

    After watching your video, I immediately went to Amazon and purchased the book. Very enjoyable. Thank you so much!

  • @Callum-Morrison
    @Callum-Morrison 7 лет назад +4

    Funny your dad learned this for a function. I'm currently learning this piece to recite at the restaurant I work in on Burns night. Your video has helped a lot with the pronunciation of the old Scots text. Thanks so much

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  7 лет назад +2

      Glad you enjoyed it. I'll be putting out another video very soon. This time its the "Address to a Haggis." I hope your recital goes well.

  • @jennscott2505
    @jennscott2505 7 лет назад +4

    Thank you so much for the translation, this will help with my Scottish Studies essay on Robert Burns.

  • @flowolf5005
    @flowolf5005 5 лет назад +6

    you saved my day... I aint a big fan of poems but have a IGCSE exam tomoorow on the novel "of mice and men" and this video truly helped me to understand why steinbeck chose this title!!! I hope that you are able to get more popolarity as an auther... Your video was great!!!
    THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @JoelSolkoff
    @JoelSolkoff 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for your Burns original and translation. Burn’s Mouse masrepiece had never been accessible to me before. Thank you.

  • @garysawyer4971
    @garysawyer4971 3 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for the reading, and background. I've ordered your 'nature' book, and interested to know that there are others.

  • @leonakennedy2111
    @leonakennedy2111 4 года назад

    I enjoyed the reading so much. The accent only made more so. I was un love wuth poetry as a youth and life gets in the way. Thank you so much for the renewal of enlightenment.

  • @Steven-zf9lf
    @Steven-zf9lf 4 года назад +75

    POV: You're watching this for an English assignment

    • @pcbruh6734
      @pcbruh6734 4 года назад +1

      facts

    • @Snowshowslow
      @Snowshowslow 4 года назад +4

      Haha, were you? I was just scrolling youtube, avoiding work, but this doesn't seem like the worst kind of English assignment to me :)

    • @sv4z
      @sv4z 4 года назад

      Yea

    • @Barraavataarr
      @Barraavataarr 4 года назад +1

      Yea. It’s for my Burns night assignment,

    • @zane6811
      @zane6811 4 года назад +1

      @@Barraavataarr WAIT MORGAN?! ITS ME ZANE DUDE I JUST FOUND U ON RUclips LOL

  • @schuylergood4897
    @schuylergood4897 4 года назад +1

    The way you say the word "Poem" is so funny, thanks for brightening my day!

  • @Ebonyqwe
    @Ebonyqwe Год назад

    Thanks for this. I live in Australia now and am trying to instil a love of Scotland in the Bairns.

  • @hadassah8549
    @hadassah8549 3 года назад +1

    So nice to hear you read it and then explain it. Your reading was way better than the one my friend sent. My dear friend is Scottish and lives in Scotland I live in USA and I love languages so he speaks Scottish to me and sends emails. So I am getting it slowly 😄. He sent this poem with no translation 🤣. So glad I came across your video! May the Lord bless you! Stay close to Him and His Word as the world is going crazy, especially America!

  • @kimmurpheyhall
    @kimmurpheyhall 4 года назад

    Love to hear it spoken and appreciate the updated version and explanation

  • @annethomas9302
    @annethomas9302 4 года назад +1

    Very well read especially in both readings . I will indeed purchase the book as the poetry book I had on Burns got lost .

  • @robertgreen3702
    @robertgreen3702 4 года назад

    Thank you so much for the beautiful recital of a poem I've always loved. The translation is also much appreciated. .

  • @dbsithjr0119
    @dbsithjr0119 7 лет назад +4

    Really enjoyed the reading and the translation

  • @pammymac1111
    @pammymac1111 3 месяца назад

    A link or just copyable text to find your books would make it easier. Loved this. Thank you.

  • @missFrill
    @missFrill 2 года назад +1

    nice version would be original reading with modern English captions .... great poem! Commonly memorized by depression era kids.

  • @andreasmith1250
    @andreasmith1250 6 лет назад +1

    Wonderful! This was my grandfather's favorite Rabbie poem, and as an American born, I had the 'jist'...
    But this was EXCELLENT
    As I played this I saw a twinkle in my dad's eye and he started to recite it with a thick broughe! Thanks

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  6 лет назад

      Thanks for taking the time to watch this video and for posting a comment. I'm really glad you and your dad enjoyed it !

  • @pikethree
    @pikethree 2 года назад

    That was great, really! Thanks for the translation too because I couldn't understand most of the poem, cheers.

  • @MacKenziePoet
    @MacKenziePoet 3 года назад +1

    Not a bad idea sometimes simply to read the poem without any technique at all. Thank you for this.

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! Unfortunately 'without any technique at all', is pretty much my style. I try to put emotion into my readings, but as you've heard, it doesn't often work.

    • @MacKenziePoet
      @MacKenziePoet 3 года назад +2

      @@MrAliTurn Oh no! I did not in any way mean to imply that the reading "did not work," quite the contrary. What I meant to emphasize is that a simple, unaffected reading allows the listener to appreciate the poem in a different, just as valid way as a dramatic reading would. One does not have to "deal with" the myriad problems of a dramatic reading, for one thing.

  • @thejdlesq
    @thejdlesq 4 года назад +1

    Enjoyed this, great to have a translation and context, all in a good Scot’s accent!

  • @kimberlyduncan1053
    @kimberlyduncan1053 5 лет назад

    I love Burns poetry. I appreciate your modern translation. Thank you

  • @SQUIREDPT
    @SQUIREDPT 7 лет назад +2

    I have enjoyed this recital. Thank you for providing both the original and modern translation.

    • @SQUIREDPT
      @SQUIREDPT 7 лет назад +1

      Where can I find the Audiobook version? Amazon in the US only has the book.

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  7 лет назад +1

      Hi, I am glad you took the time to watch this video and I'm especially glad you enjoyed it! You can get the audio version of the book on Amazon UK - although I thought it was available on Amazon.com. I'll be posting more video's soon, thanks for watching.

  • @fernly2
    @fernly2 Год назад

    So beautifully recited. TY. ❤

  • @Littlewolf13
    @Littlewolf13 5 лет назад +6

    It’s comforting to me to know that- even over 200 years ago, someone else thought & felt as I do about the poor defenseless wee creatures. Thanks 😘

  • @brianthompson5847
    @brianthompson5847 3 года назад

    Really enjoyed your rendition….. from Ireland…where RB’s photo hung on the wall of my Grandfathers house.

  • @patricpepper228
    @patricpepper228 3 года назад +1

    Alastair's recital and translation of "To a Mouse" is a pleasure to the ear. His translation I find thoughtful, and different that others I have seen. I share Burns' grief the split between humans and all the rest of nature. I will look to buy Alastair's book online, NATURE: 12 WORKS INSPIRED BY NATURE, BY ROBERT BURNS

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  3 года назад

      Thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoy the book!

  • @Daily_me-v2b
    @Daily_me-v2b Месяц назад

    I search this video because my English teacher presented the poem in the class.
    And I love it

  • @mightymush
    @mightymush 4 года назад

    Fantastic, thank you for the old Scots and modern English translations

  • @AbenteuerSchottland
    @AbenteuerSchottland 11 месяцев назад

    Great! Thank you very much for that. I really love it.

  • @Batchie79
    @Batchie79 6 лет назад

    Good to have someone take the time to share their culture with others! Like this a lot!

  • @kathydabundo4796
    @kathydabundo4796 6 лет назад +1

    Heading to my first Burns party tomorrow. Wish you were coming!

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  6 лет назад +1

      Enjoy !I am hosting a Burns Supper tomorrow night...

  • @johnturnbull
    @johnturnbull 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you. It was wonderful that you shared this. It helped both me and my Anglo friend understand.

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  6 лет назад

      Thanks for the positive comment, its nice to hear from a fellow Turnbull !

  • @gretasmidt7843
    @gretasmidt7843 6 лет назад +1

    My father is going to a Robert Burns party next week and is using your video to learn this poem :) You're amazing and he's so grateful for your help (especially the translation!).
    Thank you for the recital!

    • @MrAliTurn
      @MrAliTurn  6 лет назад

      Please tell your father I wish him well with the recital, try to enjoy it. Thanks :-)

  • @alexanderolson6622
    @alexanderolson6622 5 лет назад +1

    This was a lovely reading, thank you, and all the best to you and yours.

  • @redmug100
    @redmug100 4 года назад +1

    loved it. thank you and understood it.

  • @karenjones5669
    @karenjones5669 4 года назад

    Thank you. This helped me to prepare for a reading of this poem at a Burns Night supper.

  • @thepeacebuilder3406
    @thepeacebuilder3406 5 лет назад

    I enjoyed your readings and historical information - thanks! :)

  • @elizabethlau644
    @elizabethlau644 6 лет назад +1

    I like it so much..............Will listen to it a few more times. Thanks !

  • @amauicelticconnectionandot2674
    @amauicelticconnectionandot2674 4 года назад

    nice job...i would like to use some of this in clip form on my radio show here on Maui island.
    a maui celtic connection & other oddities.

  • @greeneileen
    @greeneileen 5 лет назад

    Thank you for your lovely reading and translation :)

  • @snaim3270
    @snaim3270 7 лет назад +3

    Excellent, Thank you so much niffo

  • @annethomas9302
    @annethomas9302 3 года назад

    I did have an old book of his poetry , again found in a shop and put in the loft and lost … But never really lost it seems .

  • @OldManRunning-dj7qi
    @OldManRunning-dj7qi Год назад

    Really enjoyed that - thank you!

  • @deepthin7480
    @deepthin7480 4 года назад

    thank you, for ppl like me who can't understand the original, this helped a lot

  • @adriennekraft2381
    @adriennekraft2381 6 лет назад

    I suggest you include the book title and your full name in the description above. I googled the title and found your work on Amazon, but some people might not do that. I really enjoyed your reading of the peom. I've been listening to songs of Robert Burns by Jean Redpath and Ewan Macoll, and am eager to read your book. Thanks for posting this!

  • @amytomlins75
    @amytomlins75 4 года назад

    thank you. so relevant at the moment. i really connected with the poem.

  • @charlesmancat7666
    @charlesmancat7666 29 дней назад

    Rings bells for me, I have had a go at translating "To a Mouse" into Persian, it was well received. As Burns would have said,
    (if translated) "We are in this together".

  • @loveiverwashereasherself4803
    @loveiverwashereasherself4803 3 года назад

    Pretty
    Poem
    Guy
    Loveeeeeee Scotland!!!!!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💌

  • @jeffmetzler8998
    @jeffmetzler8998 4 года назад +1

    Dear Alastair, I would greatly appreciate hearing you recite this rhyme about The Bruce and Henry Debohun
    Bruce and de BohunWere fightin for the croon Bruce took up his battleaxe An struck de Bohun doon

  • @rosiepearson4465
    @rosiepearson4465 4 года назад

    Brought our lockdown Burn's night to life! Thank you