Poem 2: "Eldorado" Summary

In this poem, a knight has been searching for Eldorado, a city of tremendous riches reputed to be in South America. As he grows old, he begins to give up hope, and when he encounters a "pilgrim shadow" (line 15, pg. 234), he inquires as to where Eldorado is. The shadow replies:

"Over the Mountains

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,"

The shade replied,

"If you seek for Eldorado!"

Poem 2: "Eldorado" Analysis

This can be seen as a comment on any search for happiness or opportunity. The shadow's instruction to the knight is a general lesson to all who are seekers - to go all out and "ride boldly" for the goal.