Robert Herrick

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.