Bard
a Celtic term applied to a rude poet or minstrel, particularly among the Welsh and Irish. The bard was held in high honor at feasts or solemn festivals. Like the minstrel, he sang or chanted songs composed in commemoration of noble deeds or designed to convey instruction. In Scotland, the term was applied rather to a strolling singer of the vagabond nature. Shakespeare is called the "Bard of Avon." Burns delighted to speak of himself as a bard. The following motto was prefixed to the Kilmarnock edition of his poems:
The simple bard, unbroke by rules of art,
He pours the wild effusions of the heart;
And if inspired, 't is Nature's powers inspire:
Hers all the melting thrill and hers the kindling fire.
He pours the wild effusions of the heart;
And if inspired, 't is Nature's powers inspire:
Hers all the melting thrill and hers the kindling fire.
See Minstrel; Troubadours
Volume I · Aiton’s Encyclopedia