[b]To Paradise[/b]
[i]Lord Governor Illerio Moningstar Sunwalker of Paledune, the Sultan of Paradise (78 - 133)[/i]
[quote=Swami, 130]
The heavens proclaim your beauty, oh Paradise, 
The mynah birds sing your praises.
The storehouses overflow with the finest wine,
And the lambs are being led to slaughter.
The dates are sweetened with the sun’s passing,
And the waters from the oases are as sweet as honey.
Your officials are just and bear golden rods,
Your soldiers have sharpened their spears.
Who can say when you will be assailed, oh City?
Who can proclaim the day of your downfall?
None can, for your walls are sturdy,
Your towers will never collapse.
The winds of the desert will not overcome you, 
And the toothed beasts will perish. 

Your minarets are raised to the sky, 
Their golden tops kiss the clouds.
The washing-women sing songs of joy,
The children play in the golden sunshine. 
The merchants hawk their wares, over and over,
And their customers are thricefold.
For they bear crafts, which are excellently made,
And their beauty is renowned by all.
Travelers pass by your iron gates,
They cry aloud in awe.
They proclaim that they have seen miraculous things,
They declare to the world your song.

Your scribes work diligently, unceasing in study,
They read the ancient texts.
They preserve your wisdom for the next generation,
On their pens walk the intelligence of multitudes.
All who see you tread lightly on your sands,
For they know you house the Golden Mark.
Oh, who can describe the abundant primroses,
Who can depict the glowing carnations?
Your tradesmen are bursting with silver and gold,
They need no rest, for your beauty sustains them.

Your soldiers awaken to battle,
Your bows are carved, arrows are fletched.
The eagles are hunted for their feathers,
Which will lighten the burdens of the arrow-shafts.
Great swords are forged in your presence,
Blades are gilded with rubies and diamonds.
Helmets are adorned with the choicest jewels,
Spears are kissed and raised to the sky.
How can one stand against your wall of iron,
Your armies, your legions, oh City?
Sons of Paradise, awaken your arms!
See to it that none will falter![/quote]