THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMANDMENTS
I
Thou shalt to the office come
Every day in the week but one.
II
Thou shalt daily write a lot
Whether it is read or not.
III
Thou must not loaf except by stealth,
Work is better for thy health.
IV
Sharp upon the stroke of noon
Thou mayst lunch, but get back soon.
V
Simple and cheap must be thy fare
A sup of Ottawa, a breath of air.
VI
Thou may’st snooze incident’ly
But do thy snoring very gently.
VII
Hasten thou at four o’clock
But do it slowly without shock.
VIII
At four-forty brush the clothes,
Wash the hands and blow the nose.
IX
At five thou mayst steal away
Without warning or delay.
X
Thou mayst draw thy modest wage
When the month half turns the page.
XI
The Minister thou shalt not kill
Or curse the Civil Service Bill.
XII
When old and dull as any post
Gladly give thou up the ghost.
Then to heaven thou’lt surely go
Having worked and suffered so.