To Violets

Welcome, maids of honor,
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.

Robert Herrick