“Cheer up!” then said the maiden; “Herwic and Hettel come! their weapons glimmer!”

[778]

But Hilda saw the standard bore not King Hettel’s mark:

“Ah, woe shall now betide us before this day grows dark!

To seek Gu-drun are coming foemen grim and daring;

Many a well-made helmet their blows shall hew before the night is nearing.”

[779]

Then her friendly Hegelings thus to Hilda spake:

“If those led on by Hartmut to-day an onslaught make,

Wounds we then must deal them, and show we are the stronger.”