Colliers' March

The summer was over the season unkind

In harvest a snow, how uncommon to find

The times were oppressive and well it be known

That hunger will stronger [? ] fences break down

’twas then from theirselves the black gentry stepped out

With bludgeons determined to stir up a rout

The prince of the party who revelled from home

Was a terrible fellow and called irish thom

He brandished his bludgeon with dexterous skill

And close to his elbow was placed bonny (? ) will

Their instantly followed a numerous train

As cheerful as bold robin hood’s merry men

Sworn to remedy a capital fault

And bring down the exorbitant price of the malt

From dudley to walso (? ) they trippet (? ) along

And hampton was truly alarmed at the throng

Women and children wherever they go

Shouting out ’oh the brave dudley boys! oh!’

With nailers and spinners the cavalcade joined

The markets to lower their flattering design

Six days out of seven poor nailing boys get

Little else at their meals but potatos to eat

For bread hard they labor, good things never carve

And swore ’twere as well to be hanged as to starve

Such other feelings in every land

Nothing necessities coal can withstand

And riots are certain to sadden the year

When six penny loaves are three pound as up here