Dews that nourish fairest flowers,
Fall unheard in stillest hours;
Streams which keep the meadows green,
Often flow themselves unseen.

Violets hidden on the ground,
Throw their balmy odours round;
Viewless in the vaulted sky,
Larks pour forth their melody.

Emblems these, which well express
Virtue's modest loveliness;
Unobtrusive and unknown,
Felt but in its fruits alone!