RL EN THE ERL-KING

« Whoi is it, that rides through the forest so fast Pise While night frowns around him, while shrill roars the blast? The father who hold his young son in his arm,

And close in his mantle has wrapped him warm.

Why trembles my darling? Why shrinks be with fear?

— Oh! father! my father! The Erl-King is near, ,

The Erl-King with his crown and his beard long and white! © — Oh! thine eyes are deceived by the re of night.

If you will, dear baby, with me go away,

I will give thee fine clothes; we will play a fine play; Fine flowers are growing, white scarlet and blue

On the banks of yon river, and are for you.

© — Oh! father! my father! Ând does thou not hear What words the Erl-King whispers low in my ear? — Now hush thee, my darling, thy terrors appease : Thou hears’t’ midst the branches when murmurs the breeze.

If you will, dear baby, with me go away, My daughters shall tend you so fair and so gay; . My daughter in purple and gold who is drest, : Shall nurse you, and kiss you, and sing you to rest. Se

— Oh! father! my father! and does thou not see?

The Erl-King and his daughter are wailing for me?

— Now Ab thee, my dearest! t'is fear makes thee blind : Thou see’st the dark willows which wave in the wind.