old poem need help please

[katie.]

Years ago i remember reading this on my mothers books I know that there's some missing anyone know it I would be so grateful I've been trying to find it for years
Don't take this book for the dear of shame
For on it lies the owners name
and when you die the lord will say
where's that book you stole away
you cannot answer you cannot tell
so depart form here and go to hell

I know that there's more and what i've wrote might'nt be in order but it would mean so much to me to know the full poem . thanks .

[Seasider]

It's not a poem...it's a rhyme.

[katie.]

to be honest rhyme or poem I don't know but I know it's a lot longer that that and it would mean a lot to me if I could find it ....thanks for taking the time to answer.

[Emil Miller]

The writer is unknown. It was one of a number of similar 'curses' placed in books to frighten people into returning them. There appears to be a number of versions but I think you are probably looking for the one below.


Steal not this book for fear of shame,
For in it is the owner's name;
And if this book you chance to borrow,
Return it promptly on the morrow.
Or when you die the Lord will say,
Where's that book you stole away?
And if you say you do not know,
The Lord will answer, Go below!