T.J.
"Under the Rose" (Vol. i., p. 214.).—I find the three following derivations for this phrase in my note-book:—
I. "The expression, 'under the rose,' took its origin," says Jenoway, "from the wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The parties respectively swore by the red or the white rose, and these opposite emblems were displayed as the signs of two taverns; one of which was by the side of, and the other opposite to, the Parliament House in Old Palace Yard, Westminster. Here the retainers and servants of the noblemen attached to the Duke of York and Henry VI. used to meet. Here also, as disturbances were frequent, measures either of defence or annoyance were taken, and every transaction was said to be done 'under the rose;' by which expression the most profound secrecy was implied."
II. According to others, this term originated in the fable of Cupid giving the rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, as a bribe to prevent him betraying the amours of Venus, and was hence adopted as the emblem of silence. The rose was for this reason frequently sculptured on the ceilings of drinking and feasting, rooms, as a warning to the guests that what was said in moments of conviviality should not be repeated; from which, what was intended to be kept secret was said to be held "under the rose."
III. Roses were consecrated as presents from the Pope. In 1526, they were placed over the goals of confessionals as the symbols of secrecy. Hence the origin of the phrase "Under the Rose."
JARLTZBERG.
Ergh, Er, or Argh.—Might not these words (queried by T.W., Vol. ii. p 22.) be corruptions of "burgh," aspirated wurgh, and the aspirate then dropped; or might not ark, argh, &c., be corruptions of "wark:" thus Southwark, commonly pronounced Southark? I merely offer this as a conjecture.
JARLTZBERG.
Royal Supporters (Vol. ii., p. 136.).—E.C. asks when and why the unicorn was introduced as one of the royal supporters. It was introduced by James VI. of Scotland when he ascended the throne of England, on account of the Scottish royal supporters being two unicorns rampant argent, crowned with imperial, and gorged with antique, crowns, with chains affixed to the latter passing between their forelegs and reflexed over their backs, unguled, armed, and crined, all or; the dexter one embracing and bearing up a banner of gold charged with the royal arms; the sinister, another banner azure, charged with the cross of St. Andrew, argent. Queen Elizabeth had used as supporters, dexter, a lion rampant gardant, crowned; and sinister, a dragon rampant, both or. She also used a lion ramp. gardant crowned, and a greyhound, both or. James adopted as supporters, dexter, a lion ramp. gardant, crowned with the imperial crown, or; sinister, an unicorn argent, armed, crined, unguled, gorged with a coronet composed of crosses patées, and fleurs-de-lis, a chain affixed thereto passing between its forelegs, and reflexed over the back, all or. These have been used as the royal supporters ever since their first adoption, with but one exception, and that is in the seal of the Exchequer, time of Charles I., where the supporters are an antelope and stag, both ducally collared and chained.
E.K.