Translation (2019) from Erlkonig by Goethe (1782)
Who’s riding through nightscapes so moonless and wild?
A father, who lovingly cradles his child.
The boy he holds warm and secure in his arm
And presses on homeward to keep them from harm.
“My son, what’s the matter? You’re trembling with fear”.
“I can’t bear to look at the Erl-King so near.
Can’t you see the Erl-King, his cloak and his crown?
“It’s only the mist rising over the down”.
“Come with me dear child, and visit my land;
We’ll have fun and games there, I’ve got it all planned.
The flow’rs there have perfumes and colours untold,
My mother will make you a costume of gold.
“Oh Father, dear Father, his words are so clear,
The Erl-King is calling me, why can’t you hear?”
“Don’t worry, my dear, this delusion will pass.
What you hear is the wind as it ripples the grass”.
“Will you come, my dear lad, to my magic estate?
My daughters will love you, I’m sure you can’t wait.
They’ll have some extraordinary toys you can keep.
With sisterly songs they will lull you to sleep”.
“Oh Father, his daughters are beckoning me,
And so is the Erl-King, oh why can’t you see?”
“What I see, my dearest, should put you at ease;
The king and his daughters are just those grey trees”.
“Your beauty has charmed me, you must come and play,
But if you’re unwilling, I’ll drag you away”.
“Oh Father, the Erl-King will take me by force,
So roughly he’s pulling me onto his horse”.
The father now frightened spurs onward his steed,
He can’t let the terrible Erl-King succeed.
He reaches their home and the boy’s cosy bed,
He lays the lad lovingly down – but he’s dead.
Refer to: Jan 2020 – Other voices