Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (Амброз Гвиннет Бирс)
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.
Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce’s other poems:
906
