C                                F
Now come all you lads of high renown
         G         F                 C
That like to drink strong ale that's brown
                          F              C
And pull a lofty pheasant down
         G           F           C
With powder, shot and gun
               F     C                      F     C
He's a gallant youth, I'm a-telling truth
                                                         F
O, he's crossed all life temptations ways
      G         F           C
No mortal man his life could save
                               F       C
Now he's sleeping in his grave
       G            F     C
His deeds on earth be done

Now me and five more a-poaching went
To kill some game was our intent
Our goods robbed all and our money all spent
We had nothing left to try
Now the moon shone bright, not a cloud in sight
O, the keeper heard us fire the gun
To the spot he quickly run
He swore before the rising sun
That one of us should die

Now the bravest youth amongst our lot
'Twas his misfortune to be shot
His deeds will never be forgot
By all of us below
And for help he cried, but he was denied
O, his memory ever shall be blest
For he stood up, he fought the best
While down upon his gallant breast
The crimson blood did flow

Now this youth he fell down on the ground
In his breast a mortal wound
Far through the woods the shot did sound
That took his life away
In the middle of life he fell in suffering, for well
Was the wound that the keeper gave
No mortal man his life could save
Now he's sleeping in his grave
His deeds on earth be done

Now the murderous man that did him kill
Caused his precious blood to spill
Must wander far against his will
And find no resting place
Destructive things, his conscience sting
He must wander through the world forlorn
Ever feel the smarting thorn
Be pointed out with the finger of scorn
And die in sad disgrace

Wolf