She saw that snow had fallen, and hope the heart-sick maid was wellnigh losing.
[1197]
Then spake the hapless maiden: “To wash we now must go.
Should God not change the weather, and we, in storm and snow,
To-day must stand a-washing, before the evening cometh
We, all chilled and barefoot, shall dead be found, while us the cold benumbeth.”
[1198]
By hope they yet were gladdened, e’en as they well might be,
That those sent out by Hilda they ere night should see.
When the lovely maidens upon this thought were dwelling,