Classic Poem

And now they nigh approachèd to the stead,
Where as those mermaids dwelt: it was a still
And calmy bay, on th'one side shelterèd
With the broad shadow of an hoary hill,
On th'other side an high rock towred still,
That twixt them both a pleasaunt port they made,
And did like an half theatre fulfill:
There those five sisters had continual trade,
And used to bath themselves in that deceitful shade.
They were fair ladies, till they fondly striv'd
With th'Heliconian maids for maistery;
Of whom they over-comen, were depriv'd
Of their proud beauty, and th'one moiety
Transform'd to fish, for their bold surquedry;
But th'upper half their hue retainèd still,
And their sweet skill in wonted melody;
Which ever after they abused to ill,
T'allure weak travellers, whom gotten they did kill . . .