26 
THE MORAL OF FLOWERS. 
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 
dower. How touchingly does poor Ophelia say — 
“ I would give you violets, hut they wither’d all when my father died ! ” 
Aiyain, he talks of 
O J 
•—-“ Violets dim 
But sweeter than the lids of Juno’s eyes, 
Or Cytherca’s breath.” 
And again: — 
-- “ They are gentle 
As zephyrs blowing below the violet, 
Not wagging his sweet head.” 
