Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime

"Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime" is an English poem written by Robert Burns.

Lyrics
 Why should we idly waste our prime
 * Repeating our oppressions?

Come rouse to arms! 'Tis now the time
 * To punish past transgressions.

'Tis said that Kings can do no wrong —
 * Their murderous deeds deny it,

And, since from us their power is sprung,
 * We have a right to try it.

Now each true patriot's song shall be: —
 * 'Welcome Death or Libertie!'

Proud Priests and Bishops we'll translate
 * And canonize as Martyrs;

The guillotine on Peers shall wait;
 * And Knights shall hang in garters.

Those Despots long have trode us down,
 * And Judges are their engines:

Such wretched minions of a Crown
 * Demand the people's vengeance!

To-day 'tis theirs. To-morrow we
 * Shall don the Cap of Libertie!

The Golden Age we'll then revive:
 * Each man will be a brother;

In harmony we all shall live,
 * And share the earth together;

In Virtue train'd, enlighten'd Youth
 * Will love each fellow-creature;

And future years shall prove the truth
 * That Man is good by nature:

Then let us toast with three times three
 * The reign of Peace and Libertie!