Gladly them he greeted, and soon from them Queen Hilda’s wish was hearing.

[1078]

“Well you know, Lord Herwic, our woe and plight forlorn,

And how the Hegeling warriors to help the queen have sworn.

Yourself Queen Hilda trusteth more than any other;

To none Gu-drun is dearer,— the homeless maid, long sundered from her mother.”

[1079]

The well-born knight thus answered: “I know in truth too well

How Hartmut had the boldness my fair betrothed to steal,

Because his love she slighted, and hearkened to my wooing;