Classic Poem

Down in a green and shady bed,
—A modest violet grew.
Its stalk was bent, it hung its head,
—As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,
—Its color bright and fair;
It might have graced a lovely bower,
—Instead of hiding there.

Yet thus it was content to bloom,
—In modest tints arrayed;
And there diffuse a sweet perfume,
—Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go
—This pretty flower to see;
That I may also learn to grow
—In sweet humility.

Down in a green and shady bed,
—A modest violet grew.
Its stalk was bent, it hung its head,
—As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,
—Its color bright and fair;
It might have graced a lovely bower,
—Instead of hiding there.

Yet thus it was content to bloom,
—In modest tints arrayed;
And there diffuse a sweet perfume,
—Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go
—This pretty flower to see;
That I may also learn to grow
—In sweet humility.