Der Erlkönig -

Who rides there so late through the night?

A father spurs on with his child

He gathers the boy well into his arm

He holdeth him close and keepeth him warm

My son why dost thou cling to my arm?

Look father dost thou not see the king?

The erlking with his crown and train

My son 'tis a whisp of misty rain

Come hither thou child go with me

Fine games i know I’ll play with thee

O father dear father and dost thou not hear

What the elrking whispers in my ear?

Calm calm thee my boy ‘tis only the breeze

As it rustles the withered trees

Treasures many do my kingdoms hold

My mother shall grace thee with garments of gold

Wilt thou go wilt thou go with me?

My daughters wait on thee eagerly

Come hither thou child go with me

My daughters around in dance shall in sweep

I love thee thy beauty it charms

I’ll take you by force if you say no

O father dear father he seizes me

My heart is as cold as cold can be

The father rides swiftly with terror

The dying child in his arms

He reaches the castle with spurring and dread

The child in his arms finds he motionless

Dead