human
My son, why hid'st thy face, as in fear?
gpt
Oh, father! see, father! the Erl-king is near! The Erl-king it is, with his crown and his shroud!
human
My boy! it is naught but a wreath of the cloud.
gpt
Oh, pretty child! come--wilt thou go with me! With many gay sports will I gambol with thee; There are flowers of all hues on our fairy strand-- My mother shall weave thee robes golden and grand.
human
Oh, father! my father! and dost thou not hear What the Erl-king is whispering low in mine ear?
gpt
Be quiet, my darling! thy hearing deceives; 'Tis but the wind whistling among the crisp leaves.
human
Oh, beautiful boy! wilt thou come with me!--say! My daughters are waiting to join thee at play! In their arms they shall bear thee through all the dark night-- They shall dance, they shall sing thee to slumber so light?
gpt
My father! oh, father! and dost thou not see Where the Erl-king's daughters are waiting for me?
human
My child! 'tis no phantom! I see it now plain; 'Tis but the grey willow that waves in the rain.
gpt
Thy sweet face hath charmed me! I love thee, my joy! And com'st thou not willing, I'll seize thee, fair boy!
human
Oh, father! dear father! his touch is so cold! He grasps me! I cannot escape from his hold!