Gaily bedight,

A gallant knight,

In sunshine and in shadow,

Had journeyed long,

5

Singing a song,

In search of Eldorado.

 

But he grew old —

This knight so bold —

And o’er his heart a shadow

10

Fell as he found

No spot of ground

That looked like Eldorado. [page 129:]

 

And, as his strength

Failed him at length,

15

He met a pilgrim shadow —

“Shadow,” said he,

“Where can it be —

This land of Eldorado?”

 

“Over the Mountains

20

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,”

The shade replied, —

“If you seek for Eldorado!”

(1849)