I'll turn my old acquaintance out,
To make my reformation sure.
And last, and hardest, I'll refrain
From what was erst a joy intense, -
No more, however great the strain,
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I'll ply the "art of self-defence."
Take - take these letters, gloves, and curls,
Standards of forts once well defended;
Rosebuds and ribbons, given of girls, -
Relics of broken hearts, since mended.
And, Venus! if thou still art kind,
If ever thou propitious wert, -
Thou 'It to my vows be somewhat blind,
If, just a little, I may flirt?
J. K. M.