Ludwig then and Hartmut, lords of the Norman land,

Talked aside together. Then to his faithful band

Spake the elder warrior: “Why be longer staying

So near the brave old Wâ-te, who all of us is madly bent on slaying?”

[893]

The wily king then bade them: “Lie low, and be not seen,

With your heads upon your bucklers: you then must make a din;

And so the men of the Hegelings my plan will not be knowing,—

That, if I now can do it, I with you all may hence unseen be going.”

[894]