Classic Poem

Along the beach where Love was born
Cleander strolled one summer morn
And saw his Nico swimming there
Breasting the waves with bosom bare.
He saw and burned: for strange to say
Water gave birth to fire that day,
And from the briny drops she threw
A parching flame within him grew.
She tossed the waves with dimpled arm
And shoreward turned nor knew of harm.
But he who on the dry land stayed
Most lamentable shipwreck made.
Yet all proved well. An equal love
Venus has sent them from above:
The boon he asked has granted been
And now he thanks our sea-born queen.