“Oh! Mother! Mother! now advise, How I may yonder maid surprise: Oh! Mother! Mother! Now explain, How I may yonder maid obtain.”

The witch she gave him armour white; She formed him like a gallant knight; Of water clear next made her hand A steed, whose housings were of sand.

The Water-King then swift he went; To Mary’s church his steps he bent: He bound his courser to the door, And paced the churchyard three times four.

His courser to the door bound he, And paced the churchyard four times three: Then hastened up the aisle, where all The people flocked, both great and small.

The priest said, as the knight drew near, “And wherefore comes the white chief here?” The lovely maid she smiled aside; “Oh! would I were the white chief’s bride!”