Benjamin Banneker: A Rhythmic Tale of Math and Mystery 🎶

A Cooper and Vintner sat down for a talk, <br />Both being so groggy, that neither could walk, <br />Says Cooper to Vintner, 'I'm the first of my trade, <br />There's no kind of vessel, but what I have made, <br />And of any shape, Sir, -just what you will,- <br />And of any size, Sir, -from a ton to a gill!' <br />'Then,' says the Vintner, 'you're the man for me,- <br />Make me a vessel, if we can agree. <br />The top and the bottom diameter define, <br />To bear that proportion as fifteen to nine, <br />Thirty-five inches are just what I crave, <br />No more and no less, in the depth, will I have; <br />Just thirty-nine gallons this vessel must hold,- <br />Then I will reward you with silver or gold,- <br />Give me your promise, my honest old friend?' <br />'I'll make it tomorrow, that you may depend!' <br />So the next day the Cooper his work to discharge, <br />Soon made the new vessel, but made it too large;- <br />He took out some staves, which made it too small, <br />And then cursed the vessel, the Vintner and all. <br />He beat on his breast, 'By the Powers!' - he swore, <br />He never would work at his trade any more. <br />Now my worthy friend, find out, if you can, <br />The vessel's dimensions and comfort the man!*<br /><br />Benjamin Banneker<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-mathematical-problem-in-verse/