The New Decalogue

Have but one God: thy knees were sore

  If bent in prayer to three or four.

  Adore no images save those

  The coinage of thy country shows.

  Take not the Name in vain. Direct

  Thy swearing unto some effect.

  Thy hand from Sunday work be held—

  Work not at all unless compelled.

  Honor thy parents, and perchance

 Their wills thy fortunes may advance.

 Kill not—death liberates thy foe

 From persecution's constant woe.

 Kiss not thy neighbor's wife. Of course

 There's no objection to divorce.

 To steal were folly, for 'tis plain

 In cheating there is greater pain.

 Bear not false witness. Shake your head

 And say that you have "heard it said."

 Who stays to covet ne'er will catch

 An opportunity to snatch.

Composition date is unknown - the above date represents the first publication date.

The lyrical form of this poem is couplets.

1.For Moses' Ten Commandments, see Exodus 20.1-10.