THREE GATES

If you are tempted to reveal
A tale to you someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold

These narrow gates: First "Is it true?"
Then, "Is it needful?"
In your mind give truthful answer,
And the next is last and narrowest,
"Is it kind?"

And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be.


From the Arabian (Tapestries of Life)