Floral Poetry and the Language of Flowers/The Shepherd to the Flowers
THE SHEPHERD TO THE FLOWERS.
Sweet Violets, Love's paradise, that spreadYour gracious odours, which you, couchéd, bearWithin your paly faces,Upon the gentle wing of some calm-breathing wind,That plays amidst the plain!If, by the favour of propitious stars, you gainSuch grace as in my lady's bosom place to find,Be proud to touch those places:And when her warmth your moisture forth doth wear,Whereby her dainty parts are sweetly fed,You, honours of the flowery meads, I pray,You pretty daughters of the earth and sun,With mild and seemly breathing straight displayMy bitter sighs, that have my heart undone!Sir Walter Raleigh.