The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
Though low the theme, yet lords it has engaged,
And famous knights have oft at poachers raged.
They act such deeds as make e'en barons swear,
Break down their fine park walls and take the deer;
In every hedge suspend the murd'ring snares,
And from their best preserves fetch bags of hares.
Nor is it strange—a child may know the cause
Why daring poachers break the nation's law;
When for one night they gain far more reward
Than for a week of honest labour hard.
Game laws, they think, are made by greedy elves,
Who want the free-created game themselves;
The partridge, snipe, and grouse, for aught they know,
Belong to them just equal with the crow.
And famous knights have oft at poachers raged.
They act such deeds as make e'en barons swear,
Break down their fine park walls and take the deer;
In every hedge suspend the murd'ring snares,
And from their best preserves fetch bags of hares.
Nor is it strange—a child may know the cause
Why daring poachers break the nation's law;
When for one night they gain far more reward
Than for a week of honest labour hard.
Game laws, they think, are made by greedy elves,
Who want the free-created game themselves;
The partridge, snipe, and grouse, for aught they know,
Belong to them just equal with the crow.
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |