"this too, will pass"...

A powerful king, ruler of many domains, was in a postion of such magnificence
that wise men were his mere employees. And yet one day he felt himself confused
and called the sages to him.

He said: "I do not know the cause, but something impels me to seek a certain
ring, one that will enable me to stabilize my state"

"I must have such a ring. And this ring must be one which, when I am unhappy,
will make me joyful. At the same time, if I am happy and look upon it, I must
be made sad."

The wise men consulted one another, and threw themselves into deep
contemplation, and finally they came to a decision as to the character of this
ring which would suit the king.

The ring which they devised was one upon which was inscribed the legend: THIS,
TOO, WILL PASS....


Fariduddin Attar