The Elf and the Farmer's Wife (B)

Out in the West sea lies an isle,
Where once a farmer came,
And brought with him his hound and hawk,
And there his house would frame.

He fear'd the oak, he fell'd the beech,
He built his house so fast;
"And shall then," said the cavern Elf,
"This farmer's bragging last?"

Out came the very smallest Elf,
An ant were scarcely less
"And shall this Christian cart our wood,
"And cause us all distress?"

Seven hundred ugly Elves there were
Met in a ring so bold,
And flew away to the farmer's yard,
And there their court would hold.

The farmer out of his window look'd,
And saw their troop so near;
"O help me, God in heaven above,
"How much these Elves I fear!"

The housewife took the wisest plan.
She set them all at board,
And fed them well with meat and ale.
And many a coaxing word.

The first who spake, the grimmest Elf,
The farmer thus addressed;
"Farmer, thy housewife I will have,
"And then I'll take the rest."

"O leave me but my gentle wife,"
In grief the farmer spake,
"My house and yard are in thy power,
"These thou may'st freely take."

"Nay," said the Elf, "have me she shall,"
And took her in his arm;
Her face, as red as any blood,
Betray'd her heart's alarm.

Him must she take in arms, and kiss,
And keen she felt the pain;
For ill and strangely he was shaped,
As eye shall see again.

The housewife's heart was like to break,
"O give me, God, thine aid:"
The third time she must kiss his mouth,
A knight that Elf was made.

"Now thanks, thou noble farmer's wife,
"I'll prize thee, while I live;
"Wilt thou thy farmer have or me?
"The choice to thee I give."

"O knight, thank rather thou thy God,
"Who made thy sorrow cease;
"Betrothe some knight's fair daughter thou,
"And live in joy and peace."