Hello, gentle listener, and welcome to Nocturnal Transmissions, the fortnightly podcast that brings you dark tales both old and new, performed by your humble narrator,

Kristen Holland. Today, something old, something very old as a matter of fact.

One of our listeners, Barefoot Biker, has requested a dark piece of verse

from that German poet, novelist, playwright, statesman, and scientist, no less,

Johann Wolfgang von Gertr.

A nasty little narrative penned way back in 1782.

Yes, back when Mozart was cooking up his marvellous little tunes,

and in another part of the world, the American War of Independence was raging.

It was at this time that Gertrude cooked up, the Earl King.

A poem based on the legend of a malevolent elf who haunted Germany's black forest,

preying on poor, unsuspecting children.

I must admit that does sound like our kind of thing, doesn't it, gentle listener?

All right, barefoot biker, here you are.

You have asked, and so you shall receive.

Nocturnal transmissions is proud to present.

The Earl King by Gertr. Who right? Who rides there so late through the night dark and drear?

The father it is, with his infant so dear.

He holdeth the boy tightly clasped in his arm.

He holdeth him safely.

He keepeth him war.

My son, whereforeseek'st thou thy face thus to hide?

Look, father, the Earl King is close by our side.

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