US & Canada Versions: 166. The Rose of England
[A single two verse fragment-- corresponding closely with Child A-- was collected from Edwards in 1933 who got it from his Northumbrian family ancestors. Edwards was also familiar with print versions. Edwards did not sing the ballad so perhaps it came from print.
This is the only extant version of Child 166 from North America. There is no record of the ballad being sung either here or abroad and Bronson gives no tune for it.
R. Matteson 2012, 2015]
CONTENTS:
1) The Rose of England- Edwards (VT) 1933 Flanders
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The Rose of England- George Edwards of Vermont recalled this song on Nov. 1, 1933 from the singing of his grandfather, William H. Edwards of Seaton, East Riding, Yorkshire, England. Collected by Helen Flanders.
Throughout a garden green and gay,
A seemly sight it was to see
How flowers did flourish fresh and gay,
And birds do sing melodiously.
In the midst of a garden there sprang a tree,
Which tree was of a mickle price,
Thereupon sprang the rose so red,
The goodliest that e'er sprung on.