Arthur Hugh Clough

The Latest Decalogue

Thou shalt have one God only; who 
Would tax himself to worship two? 
God's image nowhere shalt thou see, 
Save haply in the currency: 
Swear not at all; since for thy curse 
Thine enemy is not the worse: 
At church on Sunday to attend 
Will help to keep the world thy friend: 
Honor thy parents; that is, all 
From whom promotion may befall: 
Thou shalt not kill; but needst not strive 
Officiously to keep alive: 
Adultery it is not fit 
Or safe, for women, to commit: 
Thou shalt not steal; an empty feat, 
When 'tis so lucrative to cheat: 
False witness not to bear be strict; 
And cautious, ere you contradict. 
Thou shalt not covet; but tradition 
Sanctions the keenest competition.