[476]
“It was a day as happy as ever could be thought,
When we to you sent tidings that we had Hilda brought,
The loveliest of maidens (no falsehood have I spoken,
Believe the tale I tell you) that ever in this world my eyes did look on.”
[477]
The high-born knight then added: “Belike with greatest speed
Will come these daring foemen; for this should you take heed
Lest the angry Hagen soon shall overtake us
Here within your marches; if so, his hatred bitter woe will make us.”