Once in Persia reigned a king
Who upon his ruling ring
Etched a caption 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 
SamarcandFleets of galleys through the seas
Brought him pearls to rival these
But he counted little gain
Treasures of the mine or main"What is wealth?" 
The king would say"Even this shall pass away"
In the revels of his court
At the zenith of his sport
When the palms of all his guests
Burned with clapping at his jests
Amid his figs and wine
Cried, "Oh, loving friends of minePleasures come but not to stayEven this shall pass away"
Towering in the public square
Way up high into the air
Rose his statue, carved in stone
Of the skies unknown
Gazing at his sculptured name
Musing meekly, "What is fame?Fame is but a slow decayAnd even this shall pass awaySick and tired and frail, finished, beat and oldWaiting at the Gates of GoldSpeaking with his dying breath"
Life is done so what is death?"Then in answer to the kingFell a sunbeam on his ringBlinding light through fading gray'Cause even this shall pass awayEven this shall pass awayEven this shall passEven this shall pass away, away, away, away