Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Kingdom of Heaven Suffereth Violence, and the Violent Take It by Force

I'll pay my debt in pounds of flesh—
a hand or an eye to fund my sins. 
Or perhaps I'll play the Jew this time 
and rend the flesh from out Your breast: 
pound for pound, eye for eye, hand for hand.

We'll writhe together on the threshing floor,
winnowing out the wheat and tares. 
You'll tear my hip from out its socket, 
and I the flesh from out Your side, 
begging You to bless me.

Then must the Jew be merciful.
Have patience with me, and I will pay Thee all:
two eyes, both hands, and every pound to split the difference.