Sweet Violets. (Viola odorata.)

Sweet Violets.
(Viola odorata.)
I.
Before her scentless sister,* in the Spring,
Comes the Sweet Violet, which has ever been
The emblem of true modesty, I ween,
With many a poet who has loved to sing
Of rural life: and I delight to bring 5
My humble tribute to the lovely queen
Of early flowers nest’ling ‘midst the green
Grass ‘neath our hedge-rows; whilst the lark doth fling
Her music from the sky, to welcome all
The sights of beauty which are now unfurl’d 10
To gladden living things throughout the world.
And wisely did our old forefathers call
Conserve of Violets a good remedy
For many a pulmonary malady.
II.
I know no perfume we can truly call 15
More delicate than Sweet Violets yield,
In all the scents of garden, woodland field,
And it is prized alike in cot and hall
By rich and poor. For Nature’s gifts are free
To all her children, if they but prossess 20
Minds open to receive things sent to bless
Each member of the human family.
And not to them alone confined, but sent
To minister to the happiness of all,
Birds, beasts and insects, on this earthly ball. 25
Think not alone for man all things are meant:
The humblest creature to its Maker’s dear,
Through all the changing seasons of the year.

George Markham Tweddell
* The Viola canina or Dog Violet.
[Sonnets on Trees and Flowers, pp. 56-57]
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