University of Virginia Library


290

VIOLETS.

We are violets blue,
For our sweetness found
Careless in the mossy shades,
Looking on the ground.
Love's dropp'd eyelids and a kiss,—
Such our breath and blueness is.
Io, the mild shape
Hidden by Jove's fears,
Found us first i' the sward, when she
For hunger stoop'd in tears.
“Wheresoe'er her lip she sets,”
Jove said, “be breaths call'd Violets.”