The Bold Poachers - Steeleye Span

Concerning of three young men

One night in January

According laws contrary

A-poaching went straightway

They were inclined to ramble

Amongst the trees and brambles

A-firing at the pheasants

Which brought the keepers nigh

The keepers dared not enter

Nor cared the woods to venture

But outside near the centre

In them old bush they stood

The poachers they were tired

And to leave they were desired

At at last young Parkins fired

And spilled one keeper’s blood

Fast homeward they were making

Nine pheasants they were taking

When another keeper faced them

They fired at him also

He on the ground lay crying

Just like some person dying

With no assistance nigh him

May God forgive their crime

Then they were taken with speed

All for that inhuman deed

It caused their hearts to bleed

For their young tender years

There seen before was never

Three brothers tried together

Three brothers condemned for poaching

Found guilty as they stood

Exiled in transportation

Two brothers they were taken

And the other hung as a token

May God forgive their crime