I have been in many shapes before I assumed this present form:
I have been the edge of a sword,
I have been a drop of rain in the air,
I have been a shining star,
I have been a letter in a word on a page in a book,
I have been a bridge over threescore rivers,
I have been a lantern-light for a year and a day,
I have been a boat on the sea,
I have been a string on a harp,
I have been a shout in battle,
I have been enchanted in the foam of water —
There is nothing in which I have not been.