Literary notes about Brae (AI summary)
The word "brae" is consistently employed in Scottish literature as a term rich with both literal and evocative meaning. In these examples, brae refers to the slope of a hill or bank, anchoring the imagery of the Scottish countryside and its rugged, natural beauty [1]. Walter Scott and Robert Burns use the term to deepen the regional flavor of their verses—from Scott’s portrayal of the Highlands where one cannot sleep or pray on the “Highland brae” [2], to Burns’ vivid depictions of spirited excursions and festive moments that traverse hill and brae [3] and [4]. Whether simply stated on its own [5] or paired with "bank" to suggest a sweeping landscape [6], brae serves as an emblem of the topographical and cultural identity of Scotland.
- Brae, the slope of a hill.
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - They bid me sleep, they bid me pray, They say my brain is warped and wrung— I cannot sleep on Highland brae, I cannot pray in Highland tongue.
— from The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott - A ne'er-to-be-forgotten day, Sae far I sprackl'd up the brae, I dinner'd wi' a Lord.
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - fancy barks, awa we canter, Up hill, down brae, till some mischanter, Some black bog-hole, Arrests us; then the scathe an' banter
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - Brae.
— from The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott - Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, Like fire from flint he glanced away, While high resolve and feeling strong Burst into voluntary song.
— from The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott
