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.