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.”