Erlkönig

Who rides so late through night and wind?
It is the father with his child
He holds the boy securely in his arm
He clasps him, he keeps him warm

My son, why do you hide your face in fear?
Father, don't you see the Erlking?
The Erlking with crown and tail?
My son, it's just a streak of mist

You dear child, come, go with me!
I'll play lovely games with you
Many colorful flowers are on the shore
My mother has many golden garments

My father, my father, don't you hear
What the Erlking quietly promises me?
Be calm, stay calm, my child
The wind whispers through the dry leaves

Do you want, fine boy, to come with me?
My daughters shall wait on you beautifully
My daughters lead the nightly dance
And will cradle and dance and sing you in

My father, my father, don't you see there
The Erlking's daughters in the gloomy place?
My son, my son, I see it clearly
The old willows look so gray

I love you, your beautiful form entices me
And if you're not willing, then I'll use force
My father, my father, now he's grabbing me
The Erlking has done me harm

The father shudders, he rides swiftly
He reaches the courtyard with toil and dread
In his arms, the child was dead