Epitaph On A Henpecked Country Squire
As father Adam first was fool'd, (A case that's still too common,) Here lies man a woman ruled, The devil ruled the woman.
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About this work
This is an epitaph by Robert Burns. It was written in 1784 and is read here by Richard Wilson.
More about this epitaph
Pauline Mackay'Epitaph on a Henpecked Country Squire' was inspired by William Campbell of Netherplace, Mauchline (d.1786). In this short, scathing verse Burns mocks and pities Campbell his overbearing wife.
In its partner piece, Epigram on said occasion, the poet's mockery reaches an even more contemptuous extreme as he suggests that the community would swap Campbell's wife for his corpse.
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