English Nursery Rhyme (2003)

From the October 2003 issue of the Socialist Standard

They hang the man and flog the woman

That steal the goose from off the common,

But let the greater villain loose

That steals the common from the goose.

The law demands that we atone

When we take things we do not own,

But leaves the lords and ladies fine

Who take things that are yours and mine.

                                                 – circa 1764

Blogger's Note:

A fuller version of the poem can be viewed here.