The Young Swain and the Elves.
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Keightley, Thomas
I was a handsome young swain, And to the court should ride. I rode out in the evening-hour; In the rosy grove I to sleep me laid. Since I her first saw.
I laid me under a lind so green, My eyes they sunk in sleep; There came two maidens going along, They fain would with me speak. Since I her first saw.
The one she tapped me on my cheek, The other whispered in my ear: "Stand up, handsome young swain, If thou list of love to hear." Since I her first saw.
They led then forth a maiden, Whose hair like gold did shine: "Stand up, handsome young swain, If thou to joy incline." Since I her first saw.
The third began a song to sing, With good will she did so; Thereat stood the rapid stream, Which before was wont to flow. Since I her first saw.
Thereat stood the rapid stream, Which before was wont to flow; And the hind all with her hair so brown, Forgot whither she should go. Since I her first saw.
I got me up from off the ground, And leaned my sword upon; The Elve-women danced in and out, All had they the Elve fashión. Since I her first saw.
Had not fortune been to me so good, That the cock his wings clapped then, I had slept within the hill that night, All with the Elve-womén. Since I her first saw.[139]