2. Long lived it in this quiet way,
Till, on a hot and sultry day
About the midst of June,
It chanced to spy a lady fair,
All dressed in satins rich and rare,
Come walking by, at noon.
3. And thus the silly flower began:--
"I much should like to live with man,
And other flowers to see;--
Why is it (for I cannot tell)
That I forever here should dwell,
Where there is none but me?"
4. While thus it spoke, the lady stopped
To pick up something she had dropped,
And there the flower she spied;
And soon she plucked it from its bed,
Just shook the dew-drop from its head,
And placed it at her side.
5. Soon at the lady's splendid home
The violet found that she was come,
For all was bright and gay:
And then upon the mantel-shelf,
With many a flower beside herself,
Was placed, without delay.
6. And oh, how glad and proud was she
In such a splendid place to be!--
But short was her delight;
For rose and lily turned away,
And would not deign a word to say
To such a country wight.
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