Because, to sing, involved the highest accomplishment of which the human spirit could boast.

Did the ladies see?
he asked.

They thought they saw that he carried on a deception admirably.

In return, they inquired whether he would come with them and hunt the voice, saying that they would catch it for him.

"I shall catch a cold for myself," said Mr.Pericles, from the elevation of a shrug, feeling that he was doomed to go forth.