When the proud galley down the Cydnus moved
And bore the queen of Antony beloved
A lovely syren did the vessel guide
While silver oars the water did divide
This is the first, the second I shall name
The noble captive of the Egyptian dame
A net she spread (forbear its force to scan)
Which caught alive the noble biped “Man”
The whole is deem’d in every nation
A very vulgar occupation
But Sappho thought not so, for if she’s not belied
’Twas for a “Waterman” the Lesbian died!