But Wâ-te felt great wonder, to know for what the Hegeling king did seek him.
[233]
He asked if it were needful to bring, when he should go,
His breastplate and his helmet, and any followers, too?
One of the heralds answered: “We did not hear it spoken
That he had need of fighters; for you alone did his words a wish betoken.”
[234]
Wâ-te would be going, but left behind a guard,
To care for lands and castles. Then taking horse, at his word,
Twelve of his followers only with him from home now started;