Marcovitz thinks that Coleridge kept 'Kubla Khan' secret so long and then disclaimed any poetic value for it because it contained his most cherished dream. This was that he had been born a god and nursed at the ever-flowing fountains of a priestess-goddess-mother who sang songs of love and conquest to him and protected him from jealous enemies until he destroyed the tyrant, the world then falling at his feet in awe and adoration. In the minds of generations to follow, 'Kubla Khan' won for Coleridge the image of the enchanted poet-king.