Down in a green and shady bed, br A modest violet grew; br Its stalk was bent, it hung its head br As if to hide from view. br And yet it was a lovely flower, br Its colour bright and fair; br It might have graced a rosy bower, br Instead of hiding there. br br Yet thus it was content to bloom, br In modest tints arrayed; br And there diffused a sweet perfume, br Within the silent shade. br br Then let me to the valley go br This pretty flower to see; br That I may also learn to grow br In sweet humility.