"But it fell once upon a day,
50 As hunting I did ride,
As I rode east and west yon hill,
Then woe did me betide.
"O drowsy, drowsy as I was,
Dead sleep upon me fell;
55 The Queen of Fairies she was there,
And took me to hersel.
"The morn at even is Hallowe'en,
Our Fairy court will ride,
Through England and through Scotland both,
60 Through all the world wide;
And if that ye would me borrow,
At Rides Cross ye may bide.
"You may go into the Miles Moss,
Between twelve hours and one;
65 Take holy water in your hand,
And cast a compass round.
"The first court that comes along,
You'll let them all pass by;
The next court that comes along,
"The next court that comes along,
Is clad in robes of green;
And it's the head court of them all,
For in it rides the Queen.
75 "And I upon a milk-white steed,
With a gold star in my crown;
Because I am an earthly man,
I'm next the Queen in renown.
"Then seize upon me with a spring,
80 Then to the ground I'll fa';
And then you'll hear a rueful cry,
That Tomlinn is awa'.
"Then I'll grow in your arms two,
Like to a savage wild;
85 But hold me fast, let me not go,
I'm father of your child.