The Peeler and the Goat
(Darby Ryan)

Oh, the Bansha Peelers went out one night
On duty and patrolling, O.
They met a goat upon the road
And took him for being a strolling, O.
With bayonets fixed they sallied forth
And caught him by the wizen, O,
And then swore out a mighty oath,
They'd send him off to prison, O.

"Oh, mercy, sir!" the goat replied,
"And let me tell my story O.
I am no Rogue, no Ribbonman,
No Croppy, Whig, or a Tory O;
I'm guilty not of any crime
Of petty or high treason O,
And our tribe is wanted at this time,
For this is the ranting season O."

"It is in vain for to complain
Or give your tongue such bridle O,
You're absent from your dwellingplace,
Disorderly and idle O.
Your hoary locks will not prevail,
Nor your sublime oration O,
For Peeler's Act will you transport,
On your own information O."

"No penal laws I did transgress
By deeds or combination O,
I have no certain place of rest,
No home or habitation O.
But Bansha is my dwellingplace,
Where I was bred and born O,
I'm descended from an honest race,
That's all the trade I've learned O."

"I will chastise your insolence
And violent behaviour O;
Well bound to Cashel you'll be sent,
Where you will gain no favour O.
The magistrates will all consent
To sign your condemnation O;
From there to Cork you will be sent
For speedy transportation O."

"This parish an' this neighbourhood
Are peaceable and tranquil O;
There's no disturbance here, thank God!
And long may it continue so.
I don't regard your oath a pin,
Or sign for my committal O,
My jury will be gentlemen
And grant me my acquittal O."

"The consequence be what it will,
A peeler's power I'll let you know,
I'll handcuff you, at all events,
And march you off to Bridewell O.
And sure, you rogue, you can't deny
Before the judge or jury O,
Intimidation with your horns,
And threatening me with fury O."

"I make no doubt but you are drunk,
With whiskey, rum, or brandy O,
Or you wouldn't have such gallant spunk
To be so bold or manly O.
You readily would let me pass
If I had money handy O,
To treat you to a poteen glass—
'Tis then I'd be the dandy O."


source: Irish Street Ballads, Colm O Lochlainn

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Click to play

-very much like the fiddle tune posted above.