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!’