There is a hidden valley where the fairest flowers grow,
And through its verdant meadows does a rushing river flow.
The birds and beasts and honeybees among its hedges dwell,
But what its name or place may be my heart will never tell.

One night as I was passing o’er the spiral garden walk,
I spied the finest bloom of all upon a slender stalk.
So tall and white and fair it shone; it filled the air with scent,
And all the stars in heaven’s vault seemed on its beauty bent.

Upon its green and upright stem there was a single thorn,
And were I there to pluck it would its loveliness be shorn.
From out the full-blown flower came a clear and crystal voice
That filled my ears and pierced my heart and left me with a choice.

"O Maiden sweet and kind," it said, "do leave me on the tree;
My roots grow deep within this soil, and tall and strong I be.
So long I’ve dwelt here ‘neath the stars of Elbereth the Fair,
That were you now to take me, child, my heart would wander there."

I could not bear to leave it then, and I began to pine,
For in my heart I loved it well and would that it were mine.
"Dear Rose, I cannot leave you now! Your beauty’s all I see,
And now that I have found you I must keep you close to me."

The rose began to tremble and its petals then to fall,
As in my hand all shivering it heard the Kindler’s call.
"Farewell, my love, for now I go! The wind blows to the West!"
And off across the sea it fled to Varda’s gentle breast.

"My Rose!" I wept, and in my grief I clutched it to my chest;
In haste and pride and thoughtlessness I’d failed to pass the test.
The flower I had coveted had gone to take its rest
Across the sea in Westernesse with Those who love it best.

There is a verdant valley where the fairest flower grew,
But now that it is gone from there the garden’s days are few.
Still on its paths and labyrinths I’ve countless hours spent
In search of the enchanting rose that singing Westward went.