Talk:Stephenson:Neal:Quicksilver:391:Watered steel-blade (Neal Stephenson)
From the Quicksilver Metaweb.
The Adventures of Mercury Ali of Cairo
who has a this version
Sir Richard Francis Burton (March 19, 1821 - October 19, 1890)
British consul, explorer, translator, and Orientalist was born at
Barham House, Hertfordshire, England.
painted by Sir Frederic Leighton National Portrait Gallery, London
"Watered steel-blade, the world perfection calls,Drunk with the viper poison foes appals,
Cuts lively, burns the blood whene'er it falls;
And picks up gems from pave of marble halls;"
Strike with thy stubborn steel, and never fear
Aught save the Godhead of Allmighty Might;
And shun ill practices and never show
Through life but generous gifts to human sight.