Wealthy thieves with knaverys bribes

John Clare commenting on our situation, but in the 1820s.  Prescient…

THE PARISH 

(EXCERPT) 

Tho natures marks are deep that all may scan

A knaves delusions from an honest man 

Oppression often mourns the vile abuse 

& flyes to justice—deemd of little use

Truth that coud once its own redresses seek

Is now deemd nothing & forbid to speak

Driven like an exild king from past renown

Power took its place & keeps it with a frown

But tis well known that justice winks at crimes

A saying thats in season at all times

Or why should the poor sinning starving clown 

Meet jail & hanging for a stolen crown

While wealthy thieves with knaverys bribes endued 

Plunder their millions & are not pursued

Nay at the foot of Tyburns noted tree

They do deserving deeds & still go free

Where others suffer for some pigmy cause

They all but murder & escape the laws

Skulking awhile in briberys dirty den

Then start new gilt & pass as honest men

(lines 1314-1333)