EYNSHAM POACHING SONG
(Alfred Williams collection: 1877-1930)


Three Eynsham chaps went out one day,
To Lord Abingdon's manor they made their way,
They took some dogs to catch some game,
And soon to Wytham woods they came.

Chorus:

Laddie ay-o, laddie ay-o, fol the rol lora lol, laddie ay-o.

We had not long been beating there,
Before our spaniel put up a hare,
Up she jumped and away she ran,
At the very same time a pheasant sprang.

Chorus.

We had not beat the woods all through,
Before Barrett, the keeper, he came in view,
When we saw the old beggar look,
We made our way to Cashington brook.

Chorus.

When we got there 'twas full to the brim,
And you'd have laughed to see us swim,
Ten feet of water, if not more,
When we got out, our dogs came o'er.

Chorus.

O'er hedges, ditches, gates and rails,
Our dogs followed after behind our heels,
If he had catched us, say what you will,
He'd 've sent us all to Abingdon jail.

Chorus:

Laddie ay-o, laddie ay-o, fol the rol lora lol, laddie ay-o.