The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
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The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
Than all the lavish fragrance of the time.

The eyes of spring, so azure,
Are peeping from the ground;
They are the darling violets,
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The eyes of spring, so azure,
Are peeping from the ground;
They are the darling violets,
That I in nosegays bound.

Surely as cometh the Winter, I know
There are Spring violets under the snow.

Surely as cometh the Winter, I know
There are Spring violets under the snow.

A blossom of returning light,
An April flower of sun and dew;
The earth and sky, the read more

A blossom of returning light,
An April flower of sun and dew;
The earth and sky, the day and night
Are melted in her depth of blue!

Cold blows the wind against the hill,
And cold upon the plain;
I sit me by the read more

Cold blows the wind against the hill,
And cold upon the plain;
I sit me by the bank, until
The violets come again.

Violet! sweet violet!
Thine eyes are full of tears;
Are they wet
Even yet
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Violet! sweet violet!
Thine eyes are full of tears;
Are they wet
Even yet
With the thought of other years?

The violets whisper from the shade
Which their own leaves have made:
Men scent our fragrance on read more

The violets whisper from the shade
Which their own leaves have made:
Men scent our fragrance on the air,
Yet take no heed
Of humble lessons we would read.

Deep violets, you liken to
The kindest eyes that look on you,
Without a thought disloyal.

Deep violets, you liken to
The kindest eyes that look on you,
Without a thought disloyal.

Stars will blossom in the darkness,
Violets bloom beneath the snow.

Stars will blossom in the darkness,
Violets bloom beneath the snow.