As Bansha peelers were, one night, On duty a-patrolling, O, They met a goat upon the road Who seemed to be a-strolling, O With bayonets fixed they sallied forth, And caught her by the wizen, O, And then swore out a mighty oath They'd send her off to prison, O. 'O, mercy, sirs,' the goat replied; 'Pray, let me tell my story, O; I am no Rogue or Ribbonman, No Croppy, Whig or Tory, O. I'm guilty not of any crime Of petty or high treason, O, And I'm sadly wanted at this time, For 'tis the milking season, O.' Peeler: 'It is in vain you do complain, Or give your tongue such bridle,O, You're absent from your dwelling place, Disorderly and idle, O. Your hoary locks will not avail, Nor your sublime oration, O, For Grattan's Act will you transport, By your own information, O. Goat: 'This parish and this neighbourhood Are peaceful, quiet and tranquil, O; There's no disturbance here, Thank God, and may it long continue so. Your oath I don't regard a pin, To sign for my committal, O, For my jury will be gentlemen, To grant me an acquittal, O.'

Peeler: 'I'll soon chastise your impudence And insolvent behaviour, O; Well bound to Cashel you'll be sent, Where you will find no favour, O. Impartial Billy Purefoy Will sign your condemnation, O, And from there to Cork you will be sent For speedy transportation, O.' Goat: 'The Penal Laws I ne'er transgressed, By need or combination, O; I have no fixed place of abode, Nor certain habitation, O. Bansha is my dwelling-place, Where I was bred and born, O, Descended from an honest race, Therefore your threats I scorn, O. Peeler: 'Let the consequence be what it will, A peeler's power I'll let you know! I'll fetter you at all events And march you off to prison, O. You villain! sure you can't deny Before a judge and jury, O, That I on you found two long spears Which chreatened me with fury, O,' Goat: 'I'm certain if you weren't drunk With whiskey, rum or brandy, O, You would not have such gallant spunk, Or be so bold or manly, O. You readily would let me pass If I'd the sterling handy, O, To treat you to a poteen glass -O, 'Tis then I'd be the dandy, O!'

Come, fill us up a flowing bowl! We'll drink a grand libation, O, And toast a health to each true son Thtoughout this grand old nation, O! We'll toast brave Ireland three times three, With pride and acclamation, O; May all her people be made free By speedy separation, O!