pions to defend me against the attacks of criticism; the novelty, the difficulty, and the utility of the work. I may justly plume myself, that I first have drawn the nymph Mathesis from the visionary caves of abstracted idea, and caused her to unite with harmony. The first-born of this union I now present to you; with interested motives indeed—as I expect to receive in return the more valuable offspring of your Muse. March 31, 1791. To the Rev. G. C. Thine ever, S. T. C. This is now-this was erst, Proposition the first-and problem the first, I. On a given finite line -A, N, G, L, E. Be the given line Which must no way incline; The great mathematician Makes this requisition, That we describe an equi— -lateral tri -angle on it: Aid us Reason-aid us Wit! II. From the centre A. at the distance A. B. Describe the circle B. C. D. At the distance B. A. from B. the centre The round A. C. E. to describe boldly venture. (Third postulate see.) And from the point C. In which the circles make a pother Bid the straight lines a journeying go. C. A. C. B. those lines will show To the points, which by A. B. are reckon'd For authority ye know. A. B. C. Triumphant shall be An equilateral triangle, Not Peter Pindar carp, nor Zoilus can wrangle, III. Because the point A. is the centre Of the circular B. C. D. And because the point B. is the centre A. C. to A. B. and B. C. to B. A. Harmoniously equal for ever must stay; To the basis A. B, Unambitiously join'd in equality's band. But to the same powers, when two powers are equal, My mind does some celestial impulse teach, Thus C. A. with B. C. strikes the same sure al liance, That C. A. and B. C. had with A. B. before; None attempting to soar The unanimous three Preserving the balance of power so true: The great Mussulman Would stain his divan With urine the soft-flowing daughter of Fright. IV. But rein your stallion in, too daring Nine! For done it is the cause is tried! Who soothly ask'd stern Demonstration's aid, Is shown to be of equal side; THE NOSE YE souls unus'd to lofty verse, Who sweep the earth with lowly wing, As erst Prometheus stole from heaven the fire And from my subject snatch a burning brand! Light of this once all darksome spot Where now their glad course mortals run, First-born of Sirius, begot Upon the focus of the sun I'll call thee -! for such thy carthly nameWhat name so high, but what too low must be? Comets, when most they drink the solar flame Are but faint types and images of thee! Burn madly fire! o'er earth in ravage run, Then blush for shame more red by fiercer outdone! I saw when from the turtle feast The thick dark smoke in volumes rose! I saw the darkness of the mist Encircle thee, O Nose! Shorn of thy rays thou shott'st a fearful gleam The furies to madness my brain devote- Hear ye, my entrails how they snap? Proboscis fierce! I am calcin'd! I die! Thus, like great Pliny, in Vesuvius' fire, I perish in the blaze while I the blaze admire. 1789. |