She left us suddenly, we know not why.

We have no tidings of the Rose at all.”

The Nightingale then rose into the air,

“I’ll ask the birds in friendly wise,” he said,

“If they can tell me why she went, and where;

If not, a sea of tears my eyes shall shed.

“Birds, do you know what came to pass to-day?

The lovely Rose was stolen from her home.

Know you perchance who carried her away?

Have you seen aught, or heard where she doth roam?”