Previous work: Epigram on Captain Francis Grose, The Celebrated Antiquary Next work: Epigram On Rough Roads This is an epigram by Robert Burns. It was written in 1795 and is read here by Alan Cumming.

Epigram I.90 Bassa, I never saw you hang with guys— Nobody whispered that you had a beau. Girls surrounded you at every turn; They did your errands, with no attendant males. And so, I guess I ...

The epigram is one of the briefest of poetic forms, but, as the derivation of the name might suggest, it is also one of the most enduring. Originally a Greek stone inscription, the form found its feet ...

The devil got notice that Grose was a-dying, So whip! at the summons, old Satan came flying; But when he approach'd where poor Francis lay moaning, And saw each bed-post with its burden a-groaning, ...

Instead of single epigram for this weekend, here are a selection of maxims from the French atheist, philosopher, and poet Sylvain Maréchal (1750-1803) and a short poem from Victor Hugo (1802-1885).