For this shall many be fatherless, and glad shall I be of the whole to make an ending.”
[760]
Those sent forth by Hartmut fast on their way did ride,
For he bade them wait no longer. They came to a castle wide,
By name ycleped Matelan; therein was Hilda dwelling,
And with her was her daughter, the maid about whose charms all men were telling.
[761]
With them sent Hartmut also two earls of wealth and name,
Who with him out of Normandy over the waters came.
He bade them see Queen Hilda, and kindly to bespeak her;