The King took the gold, laid it upon Liuta's open palm, and then struck her hand from below, so that the gold-piece flew up into the air, and fell ringing upon the mosaic pavement.
Then the King said:
"Liuta, thou art free! No bonds hold thee. Go in peace and rejoice with thy bridegroom."
Earl Teja now came forward and said:
"Wachis, once before thou hast borne the shield of a luckless master. Wilt thou now become my shield-bearer?"
With tears in his eyes, Wachis clasped the hand of the Earl in both his own.
And now Teja lifted his golden goblet and solemnly said:
"Fortune befall you!
Already shines on you
The shimmering sunshine:
Yet thankfully think
Of the Dear and the Dead
With reverent remembrance!
He who strove unsuccessful,
The world-renowned warrior:
Witichis, Waltharis' worthiest son!
Though you celebrate cheerily
The feast of the fairest,
The Deity's darlings,
Yet honour for ever
The memory mournful
Of the Great and the Good!
I remind you, O revellers,
To drink to the dear ones;
To the manliest man,
And the worthiest woman;
To Rauthgundis and Witichis,
Deploring, I drink!"
And all solemnly and silently returned his pledge.
Then King Totila once more raised his cup and said before all the people: