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O could I give thee India's wealth As I this trifle send! Because thy joy in both would be To share them with my Friend. But Golden Sands, Alas, ne'er grace The Heliconian stream: Then take, what Gold shall never buy - An honest Bard's esteem.
This is a song by Robert Burns. It was written in 1789 and is read here by Dougray Scott.
Today's poem is likeably slight, a note to accompany the present of tobacco. One wonders how many people will include this once common gift in their list for Father Christmas. But a Bard’s esteem! Now that would be a reward from Santa's sack to please anyone...
Donny O'Rourke
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