In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
a stately pleasure-dome decree,
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
through caverns measureless to man,
Down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
with walls and towers were girdled round:
and there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,
where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;
And here were forests ancient as the hills,
enfolding sunny spots of greenery.
A savage place! as holy and enchanted
as e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted.
And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething,
a mighty fountain momently was forced.
It was a miracle of rare device,
a sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!
And all who heard should see them there,
and all should cry, Beware! Beware!
xanadu.quest