The Triumph of General Ludd

No more chant your old rhymes about old 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 measures of violence unused

'till his sufferings became so severe

That at last to defend his own interest he rose

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 would 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.

Ye 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

Then 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 splendor its head

And colting and cutting and swearing no more

Shall deprive all his workers of bread.