Why did the lamp go out? 

I shaded it with my cloak to save it from the wind, that is why the lamp went out.

Why did the flower fade? 

I pressed it to my heart with anxious love, that is why the flower faded.

Why did the stream dry up? 

I put a dam across it to have it for my use, that is why the stream dried up.

Why did the harp-string break? 

I tried to force a note that was beyond its power, that is why the harp-string is broken.