She their food made ready; for this the knights her praise were loudly telling.

[1074]

The time was drawing nearer, when now to cross the sea

No more should they be waiting, who wished the maids to free,

That in a far-off kingdom in hardest toil were living.

Now Hilda sent for her liegemen; to those who called them clothes she first was giving.

[1075]

The day that she had chosen was at the Christmas-tide,

When they must seek the foemen by whom King Hettel died.

Forthwith to friends and kinsmen Hilda gave her bidding,