I, Ad Dakhla, a scribe
Chronicler to Sultan’s court too
The City of Bronze is my life
The facts I set down here for you
Another great sword I’ve examined
In the Sultan’s museum at last
Though its power seems limited
I can assure you that it’s quite vast
The blade forces all those who hold it
(And all whom it strikes, I suppose)
To sing aloud every thing that
They might otherwise render in prose
I hold it in one hand this moment
Even as I scratch out these words
For as one who doubted the power it
Has certainly left me unnerved.

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