Skip to content
1824–1897

MARGARET TUDOR

Francis Turner Palgrave

Love who art above us all, Guard the treasure on her way, Flower of England, fair and tall, Maiden-wise and maiden-gay,

As her northward path she goes; Daughter of the double rose. Look with twofold grace on her Who from twofold root has grown,

Flower of York and Lancaster, Now to grace another throne, Rose in Scotland's garden set,— Britain's only Margaret.

Exile-child from childhood's bower, Pledge and bond of Henry's faith, James, take home our English flower, Guard from touch of scorn and skaith;

Bearing, in her slender hands, Palms of peace to hostile lands. Safe by southern smiling shires, Many a city, many a shrine;

By the newly kindled fires Of the black Northumbrian mine; Border clans in ambush set; Carry thou fair Margaret.

— Land of heath and hill and linn, Land of mountain-freedom wild, She in heart to thee is kin, Tudor's daughter, Gwynedd's child!

In her lively lifeblood share Gwenllian and Angharad fair. East and West, from Dee to Yare, Now in equal bonds are wed:

Peace her new-found flower shall wear, Rose that dapples white with red; North and South, dissever'd yet, Join in this fair Margaret!

Ocean round our Britain roll'd, Sapphire ring without a flaw, When wilt thou one realm enfold, One in freedom, one in law?

Will that ancient feud be sped, Brothers’ blood by brothers shed? — Land with freedom's struggle sore, Land to whom thy children cling

With a lover's love and more, Take the gentle gift we bring! Pearl in thy crown royal set; Scotland's other Margaret.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
MARGARET TUDOR · Francis Turner Palgrave · Poetry Cove