[959]

Then spake Hilda’s daughter: “Why leave me not in peace?

Rather than wed with Hartmut death would I dread far less.

That he should be my lover by birth he is not fitted;

To lose my life were better than take his love and as his bride be greeted.”

[960]

When this was heard by Ludwig, filled with wrath was he;

Quick by the hair he seized her, and flung her into the sea.

Straightway the daring Hartmut his ready help then gave her;

He sprang at once to the maiden, and from the whirling waves his arm did save her.