Thief - Wolf People

I am a thief of high renown

I’ve spent a life in hiding

And now the irons are locked around my hands and feet

As we make our way along the road

They sent the service after me

With all their dogs and rifles

Now all along the track they drag me back

To Newgate and my trial

And apprentice I was

When first burned in the hand

You thought me a beggar

Never a journeyman

A suit of black silk

A cornelian ring

I ride at the pleasure of the king

But who was I to you?

A beggar or the fool who wore a stolen sword

And scaled the prison walls to spare you servitude

Oyer and Terminer

Breaker of shackles

Filer of irons

A Sheppard to gaolers

A meal for the lions

The lords and the gentlemen

Bring silver to see

The apprentice who sets himself free

And where will you be when I slip my bonds again?

To discard those who called me friend

And live among the riches I have won

Oyer and Terminer

The crowds they rally round me

And liveried javelin men

The city marshal handing me a silver cup as if I were a noble man

I am a thief of high renown

I’ve spent my life escaping

My joyous street procession leads to Tyburn and the pole