A Post-Modern Decalogue
A. H. Clough's version of the Ten Commandments, written as a satire on Victorian morality, needs to be brought up to date.
Have one God at the most: that's more Than many bishops bargain for.
Worship no image, but engage That thine befits this Day and Age.
Thou shalt not swear: that's far too clean; Be True to Life and be obscene.
Take care when seeking to evade The laws restricting Sunday Trade.
Honour with filial piety Rich parents who are mortgage-free.
Thou shalt not kill, but urge, with caution, Euthanasia and Abortion.
Adultery brings complication. So stick to simple fornication.
Thou shalt not steal, but beat inflation By using Inside Information.
Bear no false witness, but embrace Half-truths: they'll always prove thy case.
Thou shalt not covet, but arrange Take-overs on the Stock Exchange.
Thomas Braun
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