The young Student was still lying on the grass , where she had left him , and the tears were not yet dry in his beautiful eyes . `` Be happy , '' cried the Nightingale , `` be happy ; you 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 can not 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 are selfish . Still , it must be admitted that she has some beautiful notes in her voice . What a pity it is that they do not mean anything , or do any practical good . '' And he went into his room , and lay down on his little pallet-bed , and began to think of his love ; and , after a time , he fell asleep . And when the Moon shone in the heavens the Nightingale flew to the Rose-tree , and set her breast against the thorn .
All night long she sang with her breast against the thorn , and the cold crystal XXXXX leaned down and listened .
Moon Nightingale Oak-tree Power Rose-tree Student frankincense lead-pencil left note-book