I know not in what freakist hour
My kindred strange and wild
Did cast me out from Elfinland
To be a human child.

For I have dwelt in homes of men
So many 'wildering years,
And had my part of happiness
And sorrowed with their tears.

I cannot find the road I came
Across the wood and wild,
And lilt away by moor and brae
To be an elfin child.

Yet many a time the willful soul
I brought from Faerie,
Runs riot in my elvish blood,
And breaks the heart in me.

O they wrought grief that brought me here,
A wanton thing and wild,
To drink the cup for mortals brew'd
Who am an elfin child.