The heart of proud young Herwic by heavy care was fettered;
Freely his love he gave her, and thought a life with her could not be bettered.
[620]
There came at length a morning when it to them befell
That in the Hegeling kingdom both knights and maids as well,
With many lovely ladies, his coming never fearing,
Before them saw bold Hartmut; Hettel could not believe he’d be so daring.
[621]
From this did endless evil soon come upon the land:
These guests high-born and worthy were yet an unknown band;