  On midsummer night or St. John's eve Is fairies' night when they receive All their friends and all their slaves, The goblins, witches, trollish knaves. And if the olden tales be true, All men and maids have cause to rue, Who on this night dare go abroad And touch a foot to fairy sod; For naught will save them but to jump Right o'er a fire or blazing stump. But if you're brave and do not fear That for your rashness you'll pay dear, Then stand beneath an elder tree And King of Fairies you may see. Should you then wish to ride afar With him to some far distant star, Then quickly tread St. John's wort flower And also carry you all night To many lands, until the light Comes with Aurora's face so fair, When he will drop you anywhere, It matters not where he may be, On mountain, desert, or the sea. And therefore few men whom I know Are brave enough with him to go. And think it best to bide at home And not with fairies far to roam. |
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