HOW THE WALL-FLOWER CAME FIRST, AND WHY SO CALLED. by Robert Herrick 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 Danæ 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.