Girls of Florence, come we in
To your German court so bright;
Your sweet praises all to win,
We have deckt us out to-night.

Flowery wreath and flowery spray
On brown locks we lightly show,
Here alike their part must play --
Silken thread and silken bow.

Praise-deserving work, we know,
Of reward is well secure.
Flowers we bring, by art that glow,
And thro' the changing year endure.

By its colour each bit took
What was its symmetric place; vPleasing is the whole in look,
If the parts have not your grace.

Pretty are we, fair of feature --
Garden-girls, with lightsome heart;
What is true to woman-nature
Always is so like to art!

F.J. (1873)