measure you your servants worth
by compliance to your decree
then limit then his worth to you
those limits that your thought do know

cos if you do but perceive
that order brings you greater worth
than that your servant might conceive
that which might be ingenious

then to those limits your wealth be bound
the wealth of knowledge; solutions found
seek you not joy in his toil
if inspiration you seek to foil

two score hours; seek not more
if upon his whim you close the door
capricious choice if you impose
if fear you, his step, upon your toes

if to machine you liken him
his buttons you seek to push
if strict regime you do configure
his labour you seek to rush

then just as much as will suffice
is all you might expect
cos more you'd not appreciate
so more you'll not collect

so think you, long and hard
upon that which you dictate
t'is truly business reasons?
or whim that necessitate

yes think you long and hard
think you as not yourself
wouldst you employ a willing spirit
or just compliant elf