The Legal vs Lawful

Circa 1764

They hang the man and flog the woman
That steal the goose from off the common
But let the greater villain loose
That steals the common from the goose.

The law demands that we atone
When we take things we do not own
But leaves the lords and ladies fine
Who take things that are yours and mine.

-- English Nursery Rhyme c. 1764 --