It is an ancient Mariner,	 
    And he stoppeth one of three.	 
    'By thy long beard and glittering eye,	 
    Now wherefore stopp'st thou me?	 

    The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide,	         
    And I am next of kin;	 
    The guests are met, the feast is set:	 
    May'st hear the merry din.'	 

    He holds him with his skinny hand,	 
    'There was a ship,' quoth he.	  
    'Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!'	 
    Eftsoons his hand dropt he.	 

    The Wedding-Guest is spell-bound by the eye 
    of the old seafaring man, and constrained 
    to hear his tale.	 
    
    He holds him with his glittering eye—	 
    The Wedding-Guest stood still,	 
    And listens like a three years' child:	  
    The Mariner hath his will.	 

    The Wedding-Guest sat on a stone:	 
    He cannot choose but hear;	 
    And thus spake on that ancient man,	 
    The bright-eyed Mariner.