He kiss’d her once, he kiss’d her twice,
Her heart yet sadder grew;
The laidliest Devil he became
That man did ever view.
When the third time he her would kiss
She call’d on Mary’s son;
Then he became a lovely knight,
His elfin shape was gone.
It happen’d neath a linden green
He was from woe releas’d;
Then straightway fled all fear and dread,
So well they all were pleas’d.
“Hear, thou beloved Ellenlile,
Consent my wife to be,
And all the gold in England’s isle
I will bestow on thee.
“When I was little, Death from me
My mother took away;
My step-dame drove me forth, and I
Became a Trold so gray.
“I’ll give thy husband gifts of price
And titles fair beside;
In verity, thou yeoman’s dame,
Thou wilt become my bride.”
“Thou noble knight, we’ll thank the Lord
From woe who set us free,
If thou wilt wed some fair young maid
You both may live in glee.”
“If thee I can’t in marriage get
I’ll have thy daughter bright,
And all thy benefits to me
By crowning her requite.
“Thanks, Ellen, thanks, thou woman wise,
To praise thee I’ll not cease;
If I may not thy love obtain
I’ll leave thee here in peace.”
Now builds the yeoman on his isle,
And no one him offends;
His daughter bears old England’s crown,
And happy days she spends.