The Erl King

The Erl King

Who is riding out late in the night so wild?

A father is riding with his young child.

He holds the lad so firm in his arm.

He holds him tight and he keeps him warm.

“My son, why’s your face so full of fear?”

“Father, don’t you see the Erl King here?

The Erl King with his robe and crown?”

“It’s a wisp of the mist that’s coming down.”

“My darling child, come, go with me.

We’ll play such games together, you’ll see.

Many beautiful flowers are on the shore,

And of beautiful clothes my mother has store.”

“Father, my father, can you not hear

What the Erl King promises in my ear?”

“My child, be calm, stay calm, just try.

It’s the wind that whispers in the leaves so dry.”

“Do you want, my fine lad, to come with me?

My daughters will wait on you handsomely.

My daughters lead the dancing all night long.

They’ll teach you the rhythm and dance and song.”

“Father, my father, don’t you see over there

The Erl King’s daughters in their dark lair?”

My son, my son, I see clear as day.

It’s just the old willows that shimmer so grey.

“I love you, your beauty allures me, I say,

And if you’re not willing, I’ll force you away.”

“My father, my father, he won’t let me go.

The Erlking holds tight and is hurting me so.”

The terrified father rides on in alarm,

He holds his groaning child in his arm.

He reaches the farm in fatigue and in dread.

But in his arms the child was dead.