Gossip

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 honest answer.  And next
Is last and narrowest, "Is it kind?"
And if to tech your lips at last
It passed through these gateways three
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be.
~ From The Arabian