To Violets
by
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.