12. Even This Shall Pass Away
Once in Persia reigned a king Who upon his regal ring Etched a caption true and wise Which he held before his eyes Gave him counsel at a glance Fit for every change and change Solemn words and these are they: "Even this shall pass away" Train of camels through the sand Brought him gems from Samarkand Fleets of galleys throught the sea 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 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'd cry "Oh, good loving friends of mine, Pleasure come but not to stay, Even they shall pass away" Towering up above the square, Way up high into the air Rose his statue, carved in stone, disguised unknown Gazing at his sculptured name Asked to himself, "So what is fame? Fame, is but a slow decay, Even this sh...