But while the blithesome crew
Of Alfs were dancing on the grass yet glitt’ring bright with dew,
Lo! from an ash-tree’s hollow trunk Lok started forth to view!
The Erl-king in the full-moon’s glare he much resembled now,
With crown of blackberry, thick beard, and tail like that of cow.
At first the Alfs were terrified; away they fain would fly;
They fear’d it was their enemies the black Alfs hov’ring nigh:
But when they Loptur recognized, they hail’d him with a shout
Of laughter, and delighted frisk’d their new-come guest about:
He pleased them; in their frolics oft he took an active part;