Forgotten verse: The Latest Decalogue by Arthur Hugh Clough
THIS little cynical update on the Ten Commandments displays a modern sense of humour but was written in the mid-19th century.
Arthur Hugh Clough's The Latest Decalogue is inspired by the Ten Commandments
Apart from his life as poet and educator, Arthur Hugh Clough was a devoted assistant of Florence Nightingale. This verse has been requested by John Simmons in an email.
The Latest Decalogue by 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, except the currency.
Swear not at all; for, for thy curse
Thine enemy is none the worse.
At church on Sunday to attend
Will serve to keep the world thy friend.
Honour thy parents; that is, all
From whom advancement may befall.
Thou shalt not kill; but need’st not strive
Officiously to keep alive.
Do not adultery commit;
Advantage rarely comes of it.
Thou shalt not steal; an empty feat,
When it’s so 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.