From “kubla kahn” the shadow of the dome of pleasure floated midway on the waves; where was heard the mingled measure from the fountain and the caves. it was a miracle of rare device. in “kubla kahn,” what is the “miracle of rare device”? the builders are able to overcome such harsh natural conditions to complete the pleasure dome. inside the dome the mix of noises from the fountains and the caves sounds like ghostly voices speaking. a person can experience the calm of the pleasure dome and the chaos of the wilderness outside. the ocean distorts the senses. the dome seems to float on water, and sounds seem to echo from the caves.