The Questioner

I asked of heaven and earth and sea, Saying: "O wondrous trinity, Deign to make answer unto me, And tell me truly what ye be." And they made answer: "Verily, The mask before His face are we, Because 'tis writ no man can see His face and live;"--so spake the three. Then I: "O wondrous trinity, A mask is but a mockery-- Make answer yet again to me And tell if aught besides are ye." And they made answer: "Verily, The robe around His form are we, That sick and sore mortality May touch its hem and healèd be." Then I: "O wondrous trinity, Vouchsafe once more to answer me, And tell me truly, what is He Whose very mask and raiment ye?" But they replied: "Of Time are we, And of Eternity is He. Wait thou, and ask Eternity; Belike his mouth shall answer thee."