From the brake the Nightingale br Sings exulting to the Rose; br Though he sees her waxing pale br In her passionate repose, br While she triumphs waxing frail, br Fading even while she glows; br Though he knows br How it goes - br Knows of last year's Nightingale br Dead with last year's Rose. br br Wise the enamoured Nightingale, br Wise the well-beloved Rose! br Love and life shall still prevail, br Nor the silence at the close br Break the magic of the tale br In the telling, though it shows - br Who but knows br How it goes! - br Life a last year's Nightingale, br Love a last year's Rose.