The Latest Decalogue Comments

but need'st not strive Officiously to keep alive: Do not adultery commit; Advantage rarely comes of it: superb poetry penned

An insightful take on the ten commandments

TWO: so indeed, the entire text of The Latest Decalogue satirizes the hypocrisy, materialism, selective ethics, and self-interest common to all of mankind.Top Marks!

ONE: I started reading this classic poem of the day seriously, but when the second line appeared, I bursted int laughter, really into great laughter,

indeed, the entire text of The Latest Decalogue satirizes the hypocrisy, materialism, selective ethics, and self-interest common to all of mankind.

Interesting look at the ten commandments.

Some of the best satire I have ever read, beautifully written.

One of the funniest poems I've read lately, and totally agree with the comments of Thomas Vaughn Jones and John Richter below.

Very humorous. The last two lines are the real punch-line.

Wonderful. I like I like.

I agree Thomas... In fact was thinking the exact same. What surprises me is that there was no forced reparations upon Mr. Clough, being that he lived in a rather pious time in history and in an area where religion and faith played such a central role in both political and social themes. With the exception of the last century I believe the very worst of war and religious zealotry brewed and materialized right there in Britain... But if this poem were written today then I would suggest it is more tame then a crucifix in a glass of urine.... All in all I'd say this is very adept poetry for any era....

I'm amazed that no one has commented on this cant against hypocrisy. The Victorian age was full of it, rich people celebrating, poor people dying, the church pontificating while the congregation fornicated in secret. Tables and chairs were covered in drapes so that they wouldn't show their legs while the brothels in the big cities flourished. All of this and more, cunningly presented in humour and rhyme, as our Mr Clough would have been ostracised if he had been blunter. (Oscar Wilde spent some time in gaol for his indiscretions)