Rufford Park Poachers

A buck or doe, believe it so, a pheasant or a hare
Was set on earth for everyone quite equally to share
So poachers bold, as I unfold, keep up your gallant hearts
And think about those poachers bold, that night in Rufford Park

Now they say these forty gallant poachers, they were in a mess
They oft had been attacked when their number it was less
So poachers bold …

All among the gorse, to settle scores, these forty gathered stones
To make a fight for poor men's rights, and break those keepers' bones
So poachers bold …

Now the keepers they came on with flails, against the poachers and their cause
That no man there again would dare to break the rich man's laws
So poachers bold …

The keepers they began to fight, with stones and with their flails
But when the poachers started, why, they quickly turned their tails
So poachers bold …

All on the ground, with a mortal wound, head keeper Roberts lay
He never shall rise up again 'til final Judgment Day
So poachers bold …

Of all the band that made their stand with setter, net or snare
Just four were brought before the court and tried for murder there
So poachers bold …

The judge he said, "For Roberts' death, transported you must be
To serve a term of fourteen years in convict slavery."
So poachers bold …

A buck or doe, believe it so, a pheasant or a hare
Was set on earth for everyone quite equally to share
So poachers bold …