Poems (Kennedy)/Second Samuel
SECOND SAMUEL, 1:20
"TELL it not in Gath, nor publish it Within the streets of Askelon;"So spake a prophet of an olden time, A century long dead and gone.
When in the haunts of daily life You pause to tell a neighbor's shame,Or whisper softly of some doubtful deed, Or stain with evil slur his name,
Have something more to justify your word Than that old thread-bare line, "they say,"Or "I have heard," or that vampire "'tis said"— Those thieves that steal the truth away.
For these are subterfuges, scapegoats all, That scandal-mongers hide behind,And if you use them to speed on your tale You are the scandal-monger kind.
For honest men will set their honest names To accusations they believe;'Tis only cowards (who may rend you next!) Who hide from blame they should receive.
So if you dare not justify your tale, Recall the text of centuries gone,And tell it not in Gath, nor publish it Within the streets of Askelon!