The Feudal system’s weakened and
The Tenants ‘usufruct’ the land.
On various counts the serfs go free
And work for wages (Edward Three).
The Black Death and the foreign wars
In labour ranks commotion cause;
Strikes and craftsmen’s combination
Then arise among the nation;
These movements preached by one John Ball,
Who, born too soon, was hanged withal.
Richard II. 1377–1399
NOW comes the Second Richard’s reign.
It is recorded very plain
That he was full of discontent
Quarrelling with his Parliament.
Poll Tax 1380
With his taxes super-sated
The peasants grew exasperated;
They threw their spades and pitchforks down
And marched as rebels into town.