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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WORLD: A GHAZEL by JAMES CLARENCE MANGAN

First Line: TO THIS KHAN, AND FROM THIS KHAN

To this Khan, and from this Khan next hit ,
How many pilgrims came and went, too!
In this Khan-and by this Khan
What arts were spent-what hearts were rent, to!
To previous hit this Khan-and from this Khan next hit
Which for penance man is sent to,
Many a van and caravan
Crowded came-and shrouded went, too!
Christian man and Moslem man,
Guebre, Heathen, Jew, and Gentoo,
To previous hit this Khan-and from this Khan
Weeping came and weeping went, too!
A riddle this since time began
Which many a sage his mind hath bent to.
All came and went, but never man
Knew whence they came or where they went to.




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