The Elf and the Farmer's Wife (C)

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

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

Up rose and spake the smallest Elf,
"In circle let us meet,
"And march away to the farmer's house,
"And yule-feast with him eat."

The hound he howl'd in the farmer's yard,
The herdsman blew his horn.
The cock leap'd up on the bench, and crow'd.
As if he had his com.

The farmer out of his window look'd.
And humbly cross'd his breast,
"O help me, Jesus, Mary's son,
"The Elf will be my guest."

He made a cross in every nook,
About his room the most,
And some flew east, and some flew west,
And some to Norway's coast.

Some flew to the east, and some to west,
And some to the north away,
But one, the grimmest Elf of all.
Would with the farmer stay.

The farmer, as he was wont to do.
His people at table placed;
The Elf he took the foremost seat.
Their meal they dared not taste.

The farmer had so fair a wife,
On earth was scarce he? peer.
And her that foul and lothely Elf
Would take for his leman dear.

"For husband I have as good a man,
"As one on earth may see;
"Great God, forbid that now to an Elf
"The leman I should be."

"Hark, woman! dear thou art to me,
"Yet if this boon's denied,
"I'll sink thee down to the lowest pit,
"Thy house and land beside."

She took him gently within her arms.
His Elfish lips she kiss'd,
And straight he grew to as tine a knight,
As doth on earth exist.

"And now, good honest farmer, hear,
"'Tis much to thee I owe,
"And lifelong every day and hour
"My love to thee I'll show.

"With wealth I'll day by day reward
"Thee and thy gentle wife,
"So rich shall be no knight on earth,
"For thou hast saved my life."