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We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go
Always a little further; it may be
Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow
Across that angry or that glimmering sea,
White on a throne or guarded in a cave
There lies a prophet who can understand
Why men were born: but surely we are brave,
Who take the Golden Road to Samarkand.

— James Elroy Flecker Hassan (1922)

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Notes from Wikiquote

Cf. George MacDonald Fraser, Flashman at the Charge (1973)

Variants

"Who make the Golden Journey to Samarkand."

More quotes by James Elroy Flecker

The poet's business is not to save the soul of man but to make it worth saving.

I have seen old ships sail like swans asleep.

And some to Meccah turn to pray, and I toward thy bed, Yasmin.

Hassan (1922)

Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow
Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

Hassan (1922)

A ship, an isle, a sickle moon —
With few but with how splendid stars.

All James Elroy Flecker quotes →

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: James Elroy Flecker (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.