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The Elfking
Who rides so late
through the windy night?
It is the father
and his child.
He holds the boy,
tight in his arm.
He holds the boy,
warm and safe.
Son, why do you hide your face
in fear?
Father, do you not see
the Elfking?
The Elfking
with his crown and train?
My Son, it's only
the mist.
You lovely child
come with me.
Lovely games
we'll play together.
There are flowers on the beach
and my mother has golden clothes!
My father! My father!
Can you not hear
what the Elfking promises me?
Be calm, be calm my boy
It's only the wind in the leaves
Lovely boy,
will you come with me?
My daughters will wait on you
My daughters will sing
and dance for you
and rock you to sleep.
My father! My father!
Do you not see
the Elfking's daughters there?
My son, my son
I see it clearly
it's the old willows
shining in the moonlight.
I love you
I'm aroused by
your beautiful form
And if you won't come,
I will take you by force!
My father! My father!
He has grabbed me!
The Elfking has hurt me!
The father shudders.
He rides fast.
The groaning boy in his arms.
Anxious, he reaches the farm.
In his arms, the boy
is dead.