posterity / generation

[vil]

Dear teachers,

This morning I read the following below verse from Burns’ “John Barleycorn” which focused my attention on the pretentious word “posterity”.

“And may his great posterity ne’r fail in old Scotland!”

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether the word in question is common in your area? What is wrong with the word “generation”? What do Burns want this new for me word for?

I know some quotes concerning the term in question:

We are always doing, says he, something for posterity, but I would see posterity do something for us.

The flattery of posterity is not worth much more than contemporary flattery, which is worth nothing.

History is fond of her grandchildren, for it offers them the marrow of the bones, which the previous generation had hurt its hands in breaking.

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[susiedqq]

“And may his great posterity ne’r fail in old Scotland!”

I think it just means heirs, decendents, or line.

This is a toast that says, "We hope his (heirs, decendents, family) continue to succeed in Scotland forever."

[vil]

Hi susiedqq,

Thank you for your convincing explanation.

Regards.

V.