A Flower Stall on the Boulevards

Look at Mere Victorine At her stall in the street, With the lily and rose, And the white marguerite, She makes pretty bouquets The whole of the day: There are buyers in plenty Who pass by that way. Little Basil and Amelie, Watching her, stand: Up to Mere Victorine Basil stretches his hand, "Can't you spare me," says he, "A morsel of green, Or one sweet little flower, Good Mere Victorine?" "If you come for a flower, Pray where is your sou?" Answers Mere Victorine, "I can't give one to you— Such flowers as mine Are for selling, you know; You must go to the country, Where wild flowers grow."