_By a Bachelor-in-Love_ (_with Himself._)
[Illustration]
You never, MOLLY, plucked the chances
Last Leap Year brought of wedded rapture,
(Since Flattery wins, where Beauty's glances
Have failed to perpetrate a capture)?
You never wrote to crave my fortune
That February! Bashful, may be,
Or over-fearful to importune
A _parti_ so renowned, you gaby!
Imprudent damsel, to let slip
So much _insouciance_ and money!
I bear no malice now, and dip
This goosequill not in gall, but honey,
I supplicate thee to be mine,
Bewitching Fair, thy lode-star mocking:
To sweetest vengeance I incline.
(Great Scott! the sacrifice is shocking!)
With you to share a gem unique,
My best possession, foolish MOLLY,
This is the penalty I seek,
Dear fool of Spring, dear spring of Folly!
Yet, ere I give myself away,
And abdicate on foolscap flimsy,
Let me implore you, mark the day--
Time-honoured feast of prank and whimsy.
Of my pet self, I offer half--
To gain it myriads have endeavoured,
So take it, _take my photograph
Inclosed, and most adroitly severed_.
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