To Violets

Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

WELCOME, maids of honor!

You doe bring

In the Spring,

And wait upon her.

She has virgins many,

Fresh and faire;

Yet you are

More sweet than any.

Y’ are the maiden Posies,

And, so grac’t,

To be plac’t

’Fore damask roses.

Yet though thus respected,

By and by

Ye doe lie,

Poore girles! neglected.