26 
Lord Bacon, in his chapter on gardens, has brought 
the violet into most honourable notice. “ That which 
above all others yields the smell in the air,” says he, 
“ is the violet; especially the white double violet, which 
comes about the middle of April, and about Bartholomew 
tide.” And who that ever inhaled its fragrancy, but 
agreed with Shakspeare that 
“ To throw perfume on the violet were wasteful ? ” 
This bard has made frequent mention of our little 
flower. How touchingly does poor Ophelia say — 
“ I would give you violets, but they wither’d all when my father died! ” 
Again, he talks of 
-“ Violets dim 
But sweeter than the lids of Juno’s eyes, 
Or Cytherea’s breath.” 
And again: — 
-“ They are gentle 
As zephyrs blowing below the violet, 
Not wagging his sweet head.” 
