To them the young king listened, and costly gifts he gave unto them freely.

[225]

Hettel turned to Horant, and thus to ask began:

“If aught hath reached your hearing, then tell me, if you can,

How ’tis with Lady Hilda, King Hagen’s lovely daughter?

To her would I send most gladly, and would that words of love from me were brought her.”

[226]

The youthful knight then answered: “She is to me well known;

A maid so fair and lovely my eyes ne’er looked upon

As she, that maid of Ireland, Hilda, the rich and stately,