Why did the lamp go out?
I shaded it with my cloak
to save it from the wind,
that is why the lamp went out.
Why did the flower fade?
I pressed it to my heart
with anxious love,
that is why the flower faded.
Why did the stream dry up?
I put a dam across it
to have it for my use,
that is why the stream dried up.
Why did the harp-string break?
I tried to force a note
that was beyond its power,
that is why the harp-string is broken.