In realms of Eastern dragons' lair,
Three sons of sky ascend on air,
'Gainst West's fierce gaze they dare to race,
To claim yon firmament's embrace.
Yet in the scepter'd isle afar,
Where once proud warriors wove war's scar,
The mead-halls' bounty waxeth thin,
In prices high their purses spin.
But lo! A mystery laid bare,
Of Uyghur scholar once ensnared,
Yet not in China's iron grasp,
In Southern land now safe, unclasped.
