For they to the Norman kingdom must ride, to free Gu-drun from bondage dreary.

[1084]

They bore to the youthful Horant this errand from the queen:

That he and all his kinsmen were to her lord of kin,

And the sorrows of her daughter should by them be heeded;

For death to her were better than ever that her child to Hartmut should be wedded.

[1085]

Then sent the knight this answer: “Unto Queen Hilda say,—

Though yet ’twill cost to women many a bitter day,

I still, with all my followers, will help be gladly giving;