36. HOW THE WALL-FLOWER CAME FIRST, AND WHY SO CALLED.
Why this flower is now call'd so,
List, sweet maids, and you shall know.
Understand, this firstling was
Once a brisk and bonnie lass,
Kept as close as Danaë was:
Who a sprightly springall lov'd,
And to have it fully prov'd,
Up she got upon a wall,
Tempting down to slide withal:
But the silken twist untied,
So she fell, and, bruis'd, she died.
Love, in pity of the deed,
And her loving-luckless speed,
Turn'd her to this plant we call
Now the flower of the wall.
Tempting, trying.
37. WHY FLOWERS CHANGE COLOUR.
These fresh beauties (we can prove)
Once were virgins sick of love.
Turn'd to flowers,—still in some
Colours go and colours come.
38. TO HIS MISTRESS OBJECTING TO HIM NEITHER TOYING OR TALKING.
You say I love not, 'cause I do not play
Still with your curls, and kiss the time away.
