This is now – this was erst,
Proposition the first – and Problem the first.

On a given finite Line
Which must no way incline;
To describe an equi—
--lateral Tri—
--A, N, G, L, E.
Now let A.B.
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!

From the centre A. at the distance A.B.
Describe the circle B.C.D.
At the distance from 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
Cutting and slashing one another,
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,
And postulate the second
For Authority ye know.
A.B.C.
Triumphant shall be
An Equilateral Triangle,
Not Peter Pindar carp, not Zoilus can wrangle.