[Campbell, London Standard. p.1, col.1 (March 7, 1843). Based on the unpopular aquittal of the murder of Robert Peel's secretary, by reason of insanity, of D. McNaughtan]
[A historical Air -- 'Villikins and His Dinah' (Ould Orange Flute)]
C F G7 C
Ye People of England exult and be glad,
Am G 7
For ye're now at the will of the merciless mad.
Am Em F G7
Why say ye that but three authorities reign-
C F G7 C
Crown, Commons, and Lords!--You omit the insane!
They're a privileg'd class, whom no statute controls,
And their murderous charter exists in their souls.
Do they wish to spill blood-they have only to play
A few pranks-get asylum'd a month and a day
Then heigh! to escape from the mad-doctor's keys,
And to pistol or stab whomsoever they please.
No the dog has a human-like wit in creation
He resembles most nearly our own generation
Then if madmen for murder escape with impunity,
Why deny a poor dog the same noble immunity
So if dog or man bit you, beware being nettled,
For crime is no crime-when the mind is unsettled.
(repeat first verse)