Above the field of bonny blooms
There grows a rose of consequence;
All subtle thorns and sweet perfume,
Through word and deed she represents
The pinnacle of noble grace,
With pride, but without arrogance.
Curls red as flame surround her face
Where lightning flashes from her eyes
And passing years have left no trace.
Not only lovely, she is wise,
To which her students can attest
As she has helped their stars to rise.
Though traveled far, her heart loves best
The mountain of the mighty Thor
Where she has ever come to rest.
While I could praise this lady more,
To heralds’ diction I must yield
That they may change what went before:
The crimson snake on golden field
Above has three white stars revealed.
This is a poem in terza rima dedicated to Mistress Rosemounde of Mercia. It was performed on the occasion of her Augmentation of Arms at Black Gryphon in Thor’s Mountain on February 20, 2010.