Exodus 20:3-17 (#8) Thou shalt not commit adultery

Sonnet 696 Exodus 20:3-17 (#8) Thou shalt not commit adultery

Of all the common villainies of man

Of all the things self evidently low

Of all the things against which we should plan

Adultery is as bad as man can go.

Of all the common virtues of a man

Of all the things self evidently great

Of all the things for which we ought to plan

Fidelity's the loftiest estate.

Companion virtues that attend the blessed

Are loyalty and chastity and love

With modesty and decency they best

Encompass what true goodness consists of.

Determine now to find and keep the way

That guards against temptations to betray.