By many a gay sport shall thy time be beguiled;

My mother keeps for thee full many a fair toy,

And many a fine flower shall she pluck for my boy.”

“O Father, my Father! and did you not hear

The Erl-King whisper so low in my ear?”—

“Be still, my heart’s darling—my child, be at ease;

It was but the wild blast as it sung thro’ the trees.”

THE ERL-KING SPEAKS AGAIN

“Oh! wilt thou go with me, thou loveliest boy?

My daughter shall tend thee with care and with joy;