In praise of higher understanding

Once in a deep valley,

The cuckoo and the nightingale

Had a contest:

To sing the Masterpiece.

To win by art or to win by luck,

Fame would the victor gain.

The cuckoo said: "If it pleases you,

I will nominate the judge."

And he named the donkey right away.

"Since he has two huge ears,

He can hear so much better

And will know what is correct."

They soon flew before the judge

And when the issue was explained to him,

He told them they should sing.

The nightingale sang out sweetly!

The donkey said: You make me dizzy!

You make me dizzy! Eee-yah!

I can't get it into my head!

The cuckoo then quickly started

his song through thirds and fourths and fifths;

The donkey found it pleasing, and only said

Wait! Wait! Wait! I will pronounce judgement now.

Well have you sung, Nightingale!

But, Cuckoo, you sing a good chorale!

And you keep the rhythm finely and internally!

Thus I say according to my sublime understanding,

And, although it may cost an entire land,

I will let you win!