Even This Shall Pass Away

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." Towering up above the square Way up high into the air Rose his statue, carved in stone All disguised, unknown Gazing at his sculptured name Asked himself, "What is fame? Fame is but a slow decay And even this shall pass away." Sick and tired and frail, finished being old Stood in line outside the Gates of Gold Speaking with his dying breath "Life is done, so what is Death?" Then in answer to the king I felt a sunbeam on his ring Blinding light will fade to gray 'Cause even this shall pass away Even this shall pass away Even this shall pass Even this shall pass away Away Away Away