Temptation's price

Temptation's shape is that of cunning snake,
Or sometimes of the soft-curved female form;
But whether it be flesh or scaly worm,
I've yet to see a man that could forsake;

Though cynic I may seem to hazard stake,
I venture this, your witness to confirm:
When siren sings e'en holy saint will squirm,
His fall assured despite his pious quake;

For some the urge to sin is torment strong,
Temptation's price is their imprisoned hell:
Their peace is forfeit with their loathsome urge;

Alas, for we, who cannot see the wrong
On whom their guilty condemnations swell;
From us, their weak humanity they'd purge!