One for the Emperor, first of us all;
One for his Lyctors, who answered the call;
One for his Saints, who were chosen of old;
One for his Hands, and the swords that they hold.
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Two is for Discipline, heedless of trial;
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Three for the gleam of a jewel or a smile;
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Four for fidelity, facing ahead;
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Five for tradition and debts to the dead;
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Six is for truth over solace in lies;
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Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies;
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Eight for salvation no matter the cost;
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Nine for the Tomb, and for all that was lost.
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