Ill in the storm of fighting, his strength her men had warded;
Not lightly her forgiveness he hoped to gain, who thus her lord had guarded.
[922]
When the word was spoken that Wâ-te near had come,
At once were men faint-hearted. Erewhiles when he came home,
Back from the war-field riding, it was with war-horns braying.
This he did at all times; but now they all were still, and nought were saying.
[923]
“Woe’s me!” said Lady Hilda, “what sorrows must we fear?
The men of the aged Wâ-te shattered shields now bear;