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 grac'd

To be plac'd

'Fore damask roses.

Yet, though thus respected,

By-and-by

Ye do lie,

Poor girls, neglected.