Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Vox Populi

Birds Of Passage. Flight The Third

Vox Populi - meaning Summary

Fame Is Local

Longfellow's brief poem sketches how reputation is local and transient. A traveling magician hears one name praised in one region and another elsewhere, illustrating how admiration shifts with place. The closing couplet generalizes: poets (and loves or stories) are celebrated regionally, so fame depends on audience. The poem warns against assuming universal renown and highlights perspective's role in what is valued.

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When Mazarvan 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.

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