Syren. I will love thee well and dearly,

Sing thee songs of music rare.

Phil. No, acoustics prove most clearly

Sound exists alone in air.

Syren. Sea-born nymphs shall serve your table—

Syrens of the fairest mien.

Phil. I assure you 'tis a fable,

Mermaids yet have ne'er been seen.

One there was in Piccadilly,

Half a fish, and half an ape;