Profess the virtue of middling temperance,
and hide the tell-tale stink.
Give me control of physical passions.
Give me aversion to overindulgence.
Give me all things in moderation.
(Then, give me another drink.)

Honor the virtue of modest temperance,
and banish the down and dirty.
I should not shudder with physical passion.
I should not shake from overindulgence.
I should not shun all sense of moderation,
(though one more little nip couldn't hurty).

Celebrate the virtue of sober temperance,
And dismiss that nagging lure.
The Lord will bless our control over passion.
The Lord will keep our tempered indulgence.
The Lord will reward our good sense of moderation.
(Now, let's drink a toast to our cure.)

Tossed aside the staunch azalea, unable ere to hurt you,
Gentle symbol and reminder of sober temperance's modest virtue.