James Clarence Mangan (1803–1849)

TÒ this khan, and from this khan

How many pilgrims came and went too!

In this khan, and by this khan

What arts were spent, what hearts were rent too!

To this khan and from this khan

(Which, for penance, man is sent to)

Many a van and caravan

Crowded came, and shrouded went too.

Christian man and Mussulman,

Guebre, heathen, Jew, and Gentoo,

To this khan, and from this khan,

Weeping came, and sleeping went too.

A riddle this since time began,

Which many a sage his mind hath bent to:

All came, all went; but never man

Knew whence they came, or where they went to!