Yes, I finally get it: 
'En vain on guette dans l'espace  
une ame soeur qui passe. 
Sont-ils perdus?' 
This is poetry, probably verses from a French poem. It means in English: 
'In vain, we watch out in the space 
for a soul sister to pass. 
Are they lost?' 
 
This is very romantic and intriguing. If I was daring, this sword could have belonged to the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud :-) Remember, he was an arm dealer while staying in Yemen and Abyssinia (close to Sudan) during ten years.  
 
best 
Nicolas
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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