[472]
On him, too, looked they gladly, their worthy king, so good;
Each day they spent there with him found them in happy mood.
Wâ-te with all his fellows, while far away they were living,
Had known much bitter hardship: for this would Hettel now reward be giving.
[473]
As he met his friendly liegemen, King Hettel wore a smile;
Then said he to them kindly: “Much have I feared erewhile
For you, my faithful helpers, and a heavy heart was bearing,
Lest in Hagen’s castles my men were held, and all were bondage sharing.”