Leasing Leasing or Farming, we are taught,
Was introduced 'bout twelve-nought-nought;
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. Now comes the Second Richard's reign.
1377-1399 It is recorded very plain
That he was full of discontent
Quarrelling with his Parliament.
[Illustration: "BY MY HALIDOM I'LL NOT PAY IT"]
Poll Tax With his taxes super-sated
1380 The peasants grew exasperated;
They threw their spades and pitchforks down
And marched as rebels into town.
Thirteen-eighty's Poll taxation
Puts equal tax on all the nation;
Lays seven thousand peasants dead;
Wat Tyler and Jack Straw at head.
Praemunire Praemunire Act is passed
To check the Papal Bulls at last.
Chaucer Chaucer the Poet this same year
Makes Pilgrimage to Becket's bier.
[Illustration: FORTES FORTUNA JUVAT.