BUY the CDs         HOME         SELECTIONS         ARTIST        ABOUT US        CONTACT        LINKS



ELDORADO
Edgar Allan Poe


In 1849, the word "Eldorado" had great appeal. This was, of course, the year of California gold fever. Poe's poem, Eldorado, mocks that fever, proclaiming that the true riches of life are not to be found in this world.

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!"


Return to Top