The king gave kindly welcome, as also did his men,
Until their wooing errand was unto him made plain:
Then were they ill-treated, and knew the king’s hard feeling.
I ween the mighty Hettel to grant young Hartmut’s wish would ne’er be willing.
[607]
One who in that was skilful to the king the letters read;
But he was greatly angered that they to court were led
By the good and upright Horant, a knight so brave and noble;
And, had they not his friendship, they had not left the king without more trouble.
[608]