A MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM IN VERSE by Benjamin Banneker.

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

Reference:
Benjamin Banneker