1849

ELDORADO
Edgar Allan Poe
Poe, Edgar Allan (1809-49) - American poet, short-story writer, and critic who is best
known for his tales of ratiocination, his fantastical horror stories, and his genrefounding detective stories. Poe, whose cloudy personal life is a virtual legend,
considered himself primarily a poet. Eldorado (1849) - One of Poes poems. Eldorado
was inspired by the Gold Rush of 1849. Opening lines: Gaily bedight / A gallant
knight, ...

ELDORADO
Gaily bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long,
Singing a song, In search of Eldorado.
But he grew oldThis knight so boldAnd oer 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 shadowShadow, said he,
Where can it beThis land of Eldorado?
Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride,
The shade repliedIf you seek for Eldorado!

THE END-