Could not keep her Lyrics

Finally the ancient minstrel

Mind depressed, and discouraged heart

Spake these words

Surely once I had some knowledge

Had some insight into wisdom

Fool am i

Then departed, upon his journey

Empty-handed, hastened to his country

Spake these words

Having neither wit nor judgment

But my virtues all have left me

Great my folly

But alas! I could not keep her

Did not know that I had caught her

Till too late to woo and win her

Let her slip between my fingers

Empty-handed, heavy-hearted,

Straightway hastened to his country

Spake these words

Once the cuckoo bringing gladness

Often bringing joy at noontide

In the morning

Sorrow must have stilled his singing

And compassion changed his calling

In the evening

As I hear him sing no longer

For my pleasure, for my happiness

No longer

But alas! I could not keep her

Did not know that I had caught her

Till too late to woo and win her

Let her slip between my fingers