The Violet Book

by Unknown

—CHRISTINA ROSSETTI.

The gentle drift

Of odorous distillings in the air,

Daffodils growing on the field’s green breast,

Buds all a-blow, and the enchanted breath

Of violets peeping in the damp hedgerow,

Kindled to being.

—CHRISTINA CATHERINE LIDDELL.

That young May violet to me is dear,

And I visit the silent streamlet near,