The Latest Decalogue

Arthur Hugh Clough (1819–1861)

THOU shalt have one God only: who

Would be at the expense of two?

No graven images may be

Worshipped, save in the currency.

Swear not at all; since for thy curse

Thine enemy is none the worse.

At church on Sunday to attend

Will serve to keep the world thy friend:

Honor thy parents; that is, all

From whom advancement may befall.

Thou shalt not kill; but need’st not strive

Officiously to keep alive.

Adultery it is not fit

Or safe (for woman) to commit.

Thou shalt not steal: an empty feat,

When ’t is as lucrative to cheat.

Bear not false witness: let the lie

Have time on its own wings to fly.

Thou shalt not covet; but tradition

Approves all forms of competition.