ROSE OF PLYMOUTH.
(THE SABBATIA).
By the fairy-gods who nursed thee,
Suns and satellites grown cold,
By the loves our fathers plighted,
By my dearest thoughts untold,
Rose of Plymouth, here’s my promise,
I will wear thee in my heart,
Shield and cherish as a lover,
Nevermore with thee to part.
I will wear thee as a rainbow,
Radiant with light and spray,
Radiant with tomorrow’s splendor,
And a far-off yesterday.
I will wear thee as an emblem.
Of New England’s pride and power,
Wear thee as a starry token,
O my pretty, pretty flower.
Symbol of the pure and comely,
She that maiden of repose,
She the one they called Priscilla,
O my fair, my winsome rose.
Scintilating, brave and blushing,
Like that maiden time adores,
She the one that crossed the waters,
Idol of our Pilgrim shores.