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Who's riding so late through night, so wild?

It's the loving father and his child

He's tucked the boy secure in his arm

Keeping him from harm

My son, why hide you your face in fear?

See you not, father, the Erl King near?

The Erl King in his crown and train?

It's just foggy strain

Sweet lad, o come and join me

I'll rock you and dance you till you sleep

Sweet lad, o come and join me, do!

Such pretty games play with you

My Father, my father, and can you not see

There Erl King's daughters, there by the tree?

It's ancient willows, I see it clear

Just so grey do appear

The father shudders and onward presses

The gasping child in his arms he caresses

He reaches the home and barely inside

The child has died

Sweet lad, o come and join me

Rock you and dance you while you sleep

Sweet lad, o come and join me, do!

Such pretty games I'll play with you

Won't you come along with me, my fine boy?

And if you're not willing, then I'll use force