Stealing the Common from the Goose

A 17th century rhyme that stands the test of time

This 17th century folk poem is one of the pithiest condemnations of the English enclosure movement—the process of fencing off common land and turning it into private property. In a few lines, the poem manages to criticize double standards, expose the artificial and controversial nature of property rights, and take a slap at the legitimacy of state power. And it does it all with humor, without jargon, and in rhyming couplets.

– James Boyle, Professor at Duke Law School

The law locks up the man or woman 

Who steals the goose off the common 

But leaves the greater villain loose 

Who steals the common from the goose.

The law demands that we atone 

When we take things we do not own 

But leaves the lords and ladies fine 

Who takes things that are yours and mine.

The poor and wretched don’t escape 

If they conspire the law to break; 

This must be so but they endure 

Those who conspire to make the law.

The law locks up the man or woman 

Who steals the goose from off the common 

And geese will still a common lack 

Till they go and steal it back.

Editor: Another chapter in Celebrating the Commons: People Stories and Ideas for the New Year from Commons Magazine being presented each Sunday at EYNU.