Once in Persia reigned a king
Who upon his signet ring
Graved a maxim true and wise
Which, if held before his eyes
Gave him counsel at a glance
Fit for every change and chance
Solemn words, and these are they
"Even this shall pass away."
Trains of camels through the sand
Brought him gems from Samarcand
Fleets of galleys through the sea
Brought him pearls to rival these
But he counted not his gain
Treasures of the mine or main
"What is wealth?" the king would say
"Even this shall pass away."
In the revel of his court
At the zenith of his sport
When the palms of all his guests
Burned with clapping at his jest
Amid his figs and wine, he cried
"O loving friends of mine;
Pleasures come, but not to stay
'Even this shall pass away."
Who upon his signet ring
Graved a maxim true and wise
Which, if held before his eyes
Gave him counsel at a glance
Fit for every change and chance
Solemn words, and these are they
"Even this shall pass away."
Trains of camels through the sand
Brought him gems from Samarcand
Fleets of galleys through the sea
Brought him pearls to rival these
But he counted not his gain
Treasures of the mine or main
"What is wealth?" the king would say
"Even this shall pass away."
In the revel of his court
At the zenith of his sport
When the palms of all his guests
Burned with clapping at his jest
Amid his figs and wine, he cried
"O loving friends of mine;
Pleasures come, but not to stay
'Even this shall pass away."
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