"The soft, silent and humble heart, in the violets hidden sweetness breathes" was the unfinished needlepoint I found in my great-grandmother's belongings. The "hidden sweetness" could be the fleeting sweet scent of crushed flowers but there is a vaguely minty note that indicates the presence of methyl salicylates, the ester also found in meadowsweet, willow and species of gautheria also known as the primary compound in asprin. An oil can be prepared out of many of these plants, viola included, and applied topically for bruising and pain relief and is a useful, safe remedy for children.
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