THE VIOLET TO THE ASTER

Said the Violet to the Aster

All on a summer's day:

“Your colour is the same as mine,

Come marry me, I pray;

Your bridesmaids shall be lilies,

A rose the vested priest,

And harebells ring the changes

To call us to the feast.”

Said the Aster to the Violet:

“What shall the dowry be,

And what my stated fortune,

If I should marry thee?”

“Your fortune?” sang the Violet,

“The fragrance of my breath!”

The Aster swayed and murmured:

“I will be yours till death!”