To thee will I tell most gladly what our master said,

When from his land we started, hither to come at his bidding;

For thy dear sake, fair lady, unto thy father’s land and castle speeding.”

[403]

She said: “Then tell me freely the errand on which you’re sent

By him you call your master; if my will that way is bent

I shall let you know it truly, before we yet are parted.”

But Horant feared wild Hagen, and began at court to feel himself faint-hearted.

[404]

To the lady thus he answered: “To you he sends this word,—