Poems (Kennedy)/The Thief
For works with similar titles, see The Thief.
THE THIEF
THOU shalt not steal."Was it to you God spake this stern decree?Nay, curl not so your scornful lip, As though that could not be.
For he spake not alone to those Whose fingers snatch awayThe gem or coin or treasure rare— Those street-bred birds of prey.
But if with idle, venomed word You soil your neighbor's name,Orrobhimofajoyoflife, Or cast an unjust blame—
And further still, if so you take From your own soul its truthOr lower the standard of your creed, You are a thief in sooth.
It was to you and all your kind Who bear the slander sealThat God, in his omnipotence, Hath said:"Thou shalt not steal."