Diggers

"In 1649, to St. George’s Hill,

a ragged band they called the Diggers came to show the people’s will.

They defied the landlords, they defied the laws,

they were the dispossessed reclaiming what was theirs.

We come in peace, they said, to dig and sow,

we come to work the land in common, and to make the wasteland grow.

This earth divided, we will make whole, so it can be a common treasury for all.

The sin of property we do disdain,

no one has the right to buy and sell the earth for private gain.

We work, we eat together, we need no swords.

We will not bow to masters, or pay rent to lords.

We are free men, though we are poor.

You diggers all stand up for glory, stand up now.

From men of property, the orders came.

They sent the hired men and troopers to wipe out the Diggers’ claim.

Tear down their cottages—destroy their corn.

They are dispersed—only the vision lingers on.

You poor take courage. You rich take care.

The earth is a common treasury for everyone to share."

– "The World Turned Upside Down” by Leon Rosselson