A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

199. TO VIOLETS

     Welcome, maids of honour,
     You do bring
     In the Spring;
     And wait upon her.

     She has virgins many,
     Fresh and fair;
     Yet you are
     More sweet than any.

     You're the maiden posies;
     And so graced,
     To be placed
     'Fore damask roses.

     —Yet, though thus respected,
     By and by
     Ye do lie,
     Poor girls, neglected.