Erl-King Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Ft. Translated by John Frederick Nims)

Who spurs on the road when the day is done,

Through night, through wind? A father and son.

The father's arms and his cloak enfold

The youngster, to keep him snug from cold.

"My son, why huddle and hide your eyes?"

"The King of Darkwood, see him rise

--You don't see, father? --all sheeted, crowned?"

"Mist, my son. From the marshy ground."

Dear little fellow, come with me.

We've games to be playing, just you'll see.

I've pretty gardens along the foam,

Gold to wear in my mother's home.

"O father, father! you still can't hear

The King of Darkwood, coaxing near?"

Easy, my youngster. Easy there!

In twigs a-wither, a hiss of air."

Fine little fellow, of we go?

I've three tall daughters to curtsy low.

The take hands, dancing the whole night through.

They'll dance you and dandle and rock-a-by you.