VIOLET. 49 
The White Violet is also made the emblem of 
innocence ; and, from the following lines, by a poet 
of the sixteenth century, it appears to have been con- 
sidered as a symbol of constancy : 
Violet is for faithfulness, 
Which in me shall abide ; 
Hoping likewise that from your heart 
You will not let it slide. 
The poetry, the romance, and the scenery, of every 
country are embroidered with Violets. 
Violets dim, 
But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes, 
Or Cytherea's breath. 
Shakspeare. 
From several other passages in Shakspeare's 
works, it is evident that the Violet was a favourite 
with our grand dramatist. We doubt if the poetry 
of any language can produce lines more exquisitely 
beautiful than these, in which he compares the soft 
strains of plaintive music to the perfume of Violets : — 
That strain again !— it had a dying fall!— 
Oh ! it came o'er my ear like the sweet south, 
That breathes upon a bank of Violets, 
Stealing and giving odour. 
Twelfth Mgkt. 
3 
