It made them now more happy, and lighter was the pain their hearts were feeling.

[1199]

Then said Hilda’s daughter: “My friend, you should beseech

The stern, ill-minded Gerlind, that on the pebbly beach

Shoes she will allow us; she may herself be learning

That if we go there barefoot we soon shall freeze, and there our death be earning.”

[1200]

The maidens then went seeking King Ludwig and his queen.

He, in sleep held fondly, in Gerlind’s arms was seen;

Both were sunk in slumber, and the maids, their anger fearing,