Robert Ayton

Robert Ayton (Kinaldy, Scotland, 1570 - London, England, February 28, 1638) or Aytoun, was a Scottish poet. This is the first Scottish to use standard English in his literary creations.

Ayton was the son of Ayton of Kincaldie, in Fife. After graduating from St. Andrews, he studied law in Paris, and became Emperor's ambassador, having other court offices.

He wrote poems in several languages, including Latin, Greek, French, and English, being one of the first Scots to write in English. His most outstanding work is Diophantus and Charidora.

Inconstancy Upbraided is possibly the best of his short poems. It is also believed to be the author of the poem Old Long Syne, which inspired the poet Robert Burns for the creation of Auld Lang Syne.

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