THE REQUIREMENT
To the Steward of his vineyard spake the Lord,
When he handed him over His Keys and Sword:
"See that you harken unto my word:
"There be three chief things that I love," quoth He,
"That bear a sweet savor up to me:
They be Justice, Mercy and Purity."
Justice was sold at a thief's behest;
Purity went for a harlot's jest,
And Mercy was slain with a sword in her breast.