I saw three souls before a jasper throne
That stood, star-canopied, beyond the world
Where angels knelt before a Presence — furled
White wings and waited. In vast undertone
A Voice said: “Choose!” And instantly were shown
Three chalices: one like a lily curled
About a stem of gold; one was empearled
In silver; one was carved from common stone.
I saw three souls sink swiftly back to earth;
I heard three children wailing in the night;
I met three men of diverse rank and birth:
A king; a priest; a slave whose wretched plight
Moved me to pity, till mine ancient dream
Recalled the proverb: “Things are not what they seem!”