Testo The Triumph Of General Ludd

No more chant your old rhymes about bold Robin Hood
His feats I do little admire
I'll sing the achievements of General Ludd
Now the hero of Nottinghamshire
Brave Ludd was to measure of violence unused
?Til his sufferings became so severe
That at last to defend his own interests he roused
And for the great fight did prepare
The guilty may fear but no vengeance he aims
At the honest man?s life or estate
His wrath is entirely confined to wide frames
And to those that old prices abate
Those engines of mischief were sentenced to die
By unanimous vote of the trade
And Ludd who can all opposition defy
Was the grand executioner made

And when in the work he destruction employs
Himself to no method confines
By fire and by water he gets them destroyed
For the elements aid his designs
Whether guarded by soldiers along the highway Or closely secured in a room
He shivers them up by night and by day
And nothing can soften their doom

He may censure great Ludd?s disrespect for the laws
Who ne?er for a moment reflects
That foul imposition alone was the cause
Which produced these unhappy effects
Let the haughty the humble no longer oppress
Then shall Ludd sheath his conquering sword
His grievances instantly meet with redress
Than peace shall be quickly restored

Let the wise and the great lend their aid and advice
Nor e?er their assistance withdraw
Till full-fashioned work at the old-fashioned price
Is established by custom and law
Then the trade when this arduous contest is o'er
Shall raise in full splendour it's head
And colting and cutting and squaring no more
Shall deprive honest workers of bread