REINCARNATION

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!"