THE ROSE 31 



the matter up, and a Society was hastily formed 

 calling itself " The Rose for England Society." 

 I was invited by them to contribute an article 

 for publication, and I think it would not be out of 

 place here to quote the letter to the Press 

 and Miss How's poem, as they, in conjunction 

 with many other vigorous Press articles, helped to 

 defeat the ends of those who wished to displace 

 the Rose. 



A PLEA FOR THE ROSE 



" Sweet Rose of Denmark, England's worshipped Queen, 

 The fairest Rose that ever monarch wore, 



I bring to thee a humble sister's plea, 



The plea of one who weeps a Queen no more. 



" The Rose, the Shamrock, and the Thistle, we 

 Were Britain's emblem, in a glorious past ; 



And I, the Rose of England, reigned a Queen 

 Badge of my country Royal to the last. 



" Must I, then, hang a sad, dishonoured head, 

 And red with shame, or white with bitter grief, 



Bloom in each English garden all in vain, 

 While my pale rival, folded in her leaf, 



" Shall shake her little silver bells in scorn, 

 Seeming to mock me as I droop discrowned ; 



When the June sunshine gilds an Empire's throne, 

 And all the land is full of joyful sound ? 



