When Violet comes I scarcely know,
If Winter wraps the world in snow,
Or if 'tis Summer strikes a-glow
The fountain in the court below,
When Violet comes.
Her flower-like eyes, her soft lips bring
The warmth and welcome of the Spring.
And round my room, a fairy ring,
See violets, violets blossoming,
When Violet comes.

When Violet goes I hear again
The infinite despair of rain
Drip on my darkening window-pane
The tears of Winter on the wane,
When Violet goes.
Yet still about my lonely room
The visionary violets bloom,
And with her presence still perfume
The tedious page that I resume
When Violet goes.