“Though wrecked on Egypt’s obelisks, disaster I defied,
And harnessed Sphinx, the emperor’s gift, to tow an ark as wide
As great Westminster;
With beau and bell and spinster,
And cleric, clerk, and coronet all tête-à-tête inside.
“‘Good folk, we sail for Africa,’ said I to all my train.
‘When bold Munchausen leads you forth, what laggard dares remain
In slippered ease, uncaring
To share my deeds of daring?’