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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