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Once in Persia reigned a king |
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Who upon his ruling ring |
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Etched a caption true and wise |
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Which if held before his eyes |
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Gave him counsel at a glance |
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Fit for every change and chance |
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Solemn words and these are they' |
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Even this shall pass away' |
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Trains of camels through the sand |
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Brought him gems from |
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SamarcandFleets of galleys through the seas |
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Brought him pearls to rival these |
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But he counted little gain |
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Treasures of the mine or main"What is wealth?" |
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The king would say"Even this shall pass away" |
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In the revels of his court |
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At the zenith of his sport |
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When the palms of all his guests |
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Burned with clapping at his jests |
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Amid his figs and wine |
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Cried, "Oh, loving friends of minePleasures come but not to stayEven this shall pass away" |
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Towering in the public square |
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Way up high into the air |
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Rose his statue, carved in stone |
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Of the skies unknown |
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Gazing at his sculptured name |
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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" |
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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 |