shall have your red
rose。 I will build it out of music by moonlight; and stain it with my own
heart's…blood。 All that I ask of you in return is that you will be a true
lover; for Love is wiser than Philosophy; though she is wise; and mightier
than Power; though he is mighty。 Flame… coloured are his wings; and
coloured like flame is his body。 His lips are sweet as honey; and his
breath is like frankincense。〃
The Student looked up from the grass; and listened; but he could not
understand what the Nightingale was saying to him; for he only knew the
things that are written down in books。
But the Oak…tree understood; and felt sad; for he was very fond of the
little Nightingale who had built her nest in his branches。
〃Sing me one last song;〃 he whispered; 〃I shall feel very lonely when
you are gone。〃
So the Nightingale sang to the Oak…tree; and her voice was like water
bubbling from a silver jar。
When she had finished her song the Student got up; and pulled a note…
book and a lead…pencil out of his pocket。
〃She has form;〃 he said to himself; as he walked away through the
grove … 〃that cannot be denied to her; but has she got feeling? I am afraid
not。 In fact; she is like most artists; she is all style; without any sincerity。
She would not sacrifice herself for others。 She thinks merely of music;
and everybody knows that the arts