A knight he rode his lonely way
Thinking about his wedding day
As he rode through a forest near
The elf king's daughter did appear
Out she stepped from the elfin band
Smiling she held out her hand
"Welcome Sir Knight, why such speed?
Come with me the dance to lead"
Dance, dance, and follow me
Round and round the greenwood tree
Dance, dance, while you may
Tomorrow is your dying day
Dance with me, dance with me
"Listen Sir Knight come dance with me,
Spurs of gold I'll give to thee"
"Dance neither I will give nor may
Tomorrow is my wedding day"
"Please Sir Knight come dance with me
A shirt of silk I'll give to thee
A shirt of silk so white and fine
My mother has bleached
In the moon-beams shine"
"Please Sir Knight come dance with me
A crown of gold I'll give to thee"
"Your crown of gold I'll freely take
But I'll not join your elfin wake"
"Do you refuse to dance with me
A plague of death shall follow thee"
Between his shoulders a blow she dealt, such a blow he'd never felt.