THE REQUIREMENT

To the Steward of his vineyard spake the Lord,

When he handed him over His Keys and Sword:

“See that you harken unto my word:

“There be three chief things that I love,” quoth He,

“That bear a sweet savor up to me:

They be Justice, Mercy and Purity.”

Justice was sold at a thief's behest;

Purity went for a harlot's jest,

And Mercy was slain with a sword in her breast.