The Erl-King

O, who rides by night thro’ the woodland so wild?

it is the fond  father embracing his child

and close the boy nestles within his loved arm

to hold himself fast and to keep himself warm

oh, father, see yonder! see yonder! he says

my child, upon what dost thou fearfully gaze?

o ’tis the Erl king with his crown and his shroud

no, my child, it is but a dark wreath of a cloud

o, come and go with me, thou loveliest child

by many a gay sport shall thy time be beguild

my mother tends for thee, full many a fair toy

and many a fine flower shall she pluck for my boy.

o ,father! my father! and did you not hear

the Erl king whisper so low in my ear?

be still my heart’s darling, my child be at ease,

it was but the wild blast as it sang thro’ the trees

o, come and go with me, thou loveliest boy

my daughter shall tend thee with care and with joy

she shall bear thee so lightly, thro’ wet and thro’ wild

and kiss thee, and press thee, and sing to my child

o,father! my father! and saw you not plain

the Erl king’s pale daughter glide past thro’ the rain?

o, yes my loved treasure, i knew it full soon

it was the gray willow that danced to the moon

o, come and go with me and go with me, no longer delay

or else silly child, i will drag thee away

o, father!my father! now, now, keep your hold

the Erl king has seized me, his grasp is so cold