Erlking: An Adaptation - English Version of Goethe's Ballad, To Be Sung To Schubert's Setting

________________ THE ERLKING [NARRATOR] Who's riding so late through night so wild? It is the father who holds his child. He keeps the boy held close with his arm: He clasps him tightly, he keeps him warm. [FATHER] My son, why hide you your face in such fear? [SON] Oh, father, see! The Erlking is near! The Erlking crowned with his train in fist... [FATHER] My son, 'tis but a streak of mist. [THE ERLKING] Thou darling child, come go with me! Such lovely games shall I play with thee! So many flowers bloom on the downs, And my mother hath such beautiful gowns. [SON] My father, my father, but do you not hear What Erlking whispers so soft in my ear? [FATHER] Be still now, oh, be hush now, my child: In withered leaves moan tempests so wild. [THE ERLKING] Now, splendid boy, wilt thou go with me? All my daughters are eager to romp with thee! All my daughters will lead thee with mincing tread, And rock thee and dance thee and sing thee to bed-- They'll rock thee and dance thee and sing thee to bed! [SON] My father, my father! Oh, can you not see The Erlking's daughters all beckon me? [FATHER] My son, my son, I see like the day: 'Tis naught but the ancient willows so gray. [THE ERLKING] I covet thee! I want thee, and feel no remorse-- And be thou not willing, I'll take thee by force! [SON] My father, my father! He's seizing my arm! Erlking has done me an awful harm! [NARRATOR] The father trembles; all speed does employ. He holds his arms round the shuddering boy. He reaches home with fear and dread: For in his arms now the child --- was dead. ______