Then spake the youthful Hartmut: “Might ever this betide,
That Hilda’s lovely daughter I here should see my bride,
I would not take in barter for that a princedom fairest;
Then might we here together pass our lives, each one to the other dearest.”
[741]
Busily his followers, hour by hour, gave thought
How they could do his wishes. A host King Ludwig brought
To lead against the Hegelings; well were they outfitted.
How should Hilda know it, that soon thereby her welfare would be blighted?
[742]