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    According to an ancient story, there once lived a king in a far-away Middle Eastern land．The king was often torn between happiness and great sadness．The smallest things could make him really angry or even cause him to lose his temper and shout madly, so his happiness easily turned into disappointment and despair(绝望)．

    One day the king got tired of himself and wanted to find a way out．He sent for a wise man living in his country．The wise man was well-known for being ready to share his knowledge．When he arrived at the palace，the king said to him，"I want to be like you．Can you bring me something that gives balance and peace in my life? I will pay whatever price you like．"

    The wise man replied，"I may be able to help you，but the price is so great that not even your country would be enough payment for it．So I will give it to you as a gift，if you will do as you are asked to．"The king nodded and promised to do as required，and then the wise man left．

    A few weeks later he returned, and handed the king a beautifully, decorated box inlaid(镶嵌的)with gold．The king carefully opened the box，only to find a simple ring inside．There was a sentence cut on the ring．It read．"This，too，shall pass．"

    "What is the meaning of this?" asked the king with a confused look on his face．

    The wise man replied，"Wear this ring always．Whatever happens，before you call it good or bad, touch the ring first and then read the sentence．That way，you will always be at peace．"

    If you grow up in America, you must know this little foodie（美食家） rhyme, "You scream! I scream! We all scream for ice cream!" For most Americans, the phrase "ice cream" brings out memories of summer. Ice cream is the oldest fashioned treat, and it has an ancient history.

    The emperors of the Tang Dynasty (618 —907 AD) are believed to have been the first to eat "a frozen milk-like dessert", which was made with milk heated with flour. Later, camphor (樟脑) was added to improve the taste.

    In Medieval Times, Arabs enjoyed an icy drink called sherbet(冰冻果子露). This cold drink often went with fruits. Over time, the drink became popular with the European upper class. Italians are said to have learned this drink-making skill, with the French following soon after.

    The 17th century saw ice drinks made into frozen desserts. With sugar added, sorbet(雪酪)was created. Antonio Latini (1642–1692) is the first person to create a milk-based sorbet, which is considered as the first "official" ice cream.

    It is impossible to say how exactly ice cream reached America, but it probably arrived with European settlers in the early 1700's. In 1790, the first ice cream store opened in New York. During the summer of the same year, our first president, George Washington, is said to have spent $200 to satisfy(满足)his thirst for the lovely treat. The Lincolns had a taste for the cold stuff. Abraham Lincoln's wife Mary Todd often hosted "strawberry parties" for friends to celebrate berry season. Fresh strawberries were served with cake and ice cream.

    Ice cream has become one of the most popular desserts in America. Apple pie might be the most traditionally American dessert, but what is served as its most popular close friend? Vanilla(香草)ice cream, of course! This creamy iced treat has strongly planted itself in the hearts of foodies across America.