The Little Pretty Nightingale

The little pretty nightingale

Among the leaves so green

Would I were with her all the night!

But ye know not whom I mean!

The nightingale sat on a briar

Among the thorns so keen

And comforted my heart's desire,

But ye know not whom I mean.

It did me good on her to look;

She was all clothed in green.

Away from me her heart she took

But ye know not whom I mean.

“Lady,” I cried with rueful moan,

Mind ye how true I have been.

For I loved but you alone –

Yet ye know not whom I mean!