I sing of Marcus Nibuhr Tod
Who found the Autograph of God.
Carved on Sinaitic cliff
He found Jehovah's hieroglyph.
A casual glance assured the date
as B.C. 1698.
Convinced that no epigraphist
Had entered it on any list,
The worthy Marcus looked around
And found in fragments on the ground
An intresting Hebrew text
Concerning this world and the next.
With scrupulous and loving care
He joined the pieces lying there,
And with a scholar's zeal restored
Words written by the living Lord.
"Go, worship other gods than me:
I feel the need of company.
"And copy bird or beast or fish
In wood or stone if that's your wish.
"Rightly or wrongly, take my name:
To me it's very much the same.
"If toil on week-days you must shirk,
Then keep the Sabbath for your work.
"If what you want's a good long life,
With parents keep continual strife.
"Kill anyone who trouble you;
It's easier, and safer too.
"And if your neighbour's wife is free,
Of course commit adultery.
"If others have what you have not,
Why not take steps to steal the lot?
"False evidence against a friend
Brings much advantage in the end.
"If someone has what takes your eye,
Ask, and you'll get it by and by."
These mystic words did Marcus find
And laid them carefully to mind,
But not before, upon his knees,
He knelt and took a loving squeeze.
