Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Asia: Vols. XXI–XXIII. 1876–79.

Introductory to Chinese Empire

Vox Populi

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)

WHEN Marzárvan, the magician,

Journeyed westward through Cathay,

Nothing heard he but the praises

Of Badoura on his way.

But the lessening rumor ended

When he came to Khaledan;

There the folk were talking only

Of Prince Camaralzaman.

So it happens with the poets;

Every province hath its own:

Camaralzaman is famous

Where Badoura is unknown!