The poem discusses the rise of Kublai Khan and the Mongolian Empire. It describes the fear of barbarian invaders destroying villages. However, it is rumored that the new leader, Kublai Khan, is different and not a "barbarian" like previous leaders. The poem expresses hope that under Kublai Khan's rule, the empire will invest in its people and not destroy villages. However, in the end, because Kublai Khan adopted Chinese culture and weakened the empire, the Chinese were able to overthrow the Mongolian Empire.