Pay

Grace must be undeserved, and freely given;
It cannot be a wage that virtue's paid.
Mercy and justice are, by nature, riven,
The one to sway, the other stand unswayed.
Grace, delivered for desert, must be
A pale wraith of itself, but half-sincere;
To be substantial, it must openly
Be self-produced, self-motivated, clear
Of too much justice: what is earned is earned,
And is much mocked by being laid to grace:
Where cause of worth is easily discerned,
Merciful grace perforce must yield its place.
Love works in mercy, grace, and open arms
Not payment for commodities of charms.