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.