Ambrose Gwinnet Bierce

Here you will find the Poem The New Decalogue of poet Ambrose Gwinnet Bierce

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.