[440]
Early on the morrow, after the mass was said,
To don their richest clothing strove each wife and maid:
A throng of these King Hagen to the sandy shore was leading;
And with them riding gayly a thousand stalwart Irish knights were speeding.
[441]
Within the town of Ballian the guests had heard the mass.
Of all the woe and sorrow, that soon would come to pass,
Hagen as yet knew nothing: little honor was left him
By his guests’ withdrawal; this of his fair and well-born child bereft him.