There their homes they guarded, and many, far and wide, their master called him.

[565]

With mighty sway in Ortland Irold had his seat;

Its lands he held of Hettel; so, as a vassal meet,

Near and far to serve him, his duty was the greater:

The king was brave and worthy; and ne’er for a lord of lands was known a better.

[566]

If ever in any kingdom Hettel heard them speak

Of a fair and well-born maiden, her he sought to take

Into his home and castle, as handmaid to his lady: