Page:Ethel Churchill Fragments II.pdf/18



Why, what a history is on the rose! A history beyond all other flowers; But never more, in garden or in grove, Will the white queen reign paramount again. She must content her with remembered things, When her pale leaves were badge for knight and earl; Pledge of a loyalty which was as pure, As free from stain, as those white depths her leaves Unfolded to the earliest breath of June.