Eldorado

Summary

This is a poem about a gallant knight on a tireless quest to find the elusive land of Eldorado. Initially filled with hope and determination, the knight journeys through sunshine and shadow, singing as he searches for this mythical place of wealth and happiness. However, over time, he becomes weary and old, with shadows of doubt settling over his heart as he finds no trace of Eldorado. Eventually, he encounters a figure described as a pilgrim shadow. When the knight asks the shadow where Eldorado might be found, the shadow replies that the land lies 'over the Mountains of the Moon, down the Valley of the Shadow,' encouraging the knight to continue his bold ride if he truly seeks Eldorado, suggesting that the journey itself may hold more significance than the destination.

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Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old—
This knight so bold—
And o’er his heart a shadow
Fell, as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow—
“Shadow,” said he,
“Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?”

“Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,”
The shade replied,—
“If you seek for Eldorado!”


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