Him did Ortwin answer: “How can we leave in need
Her faithful band of maidens? So long a stay they’ve made
Here in this land of foemen that well may they be weary:
Gu-drun, my worthy sister, should ne’er forsake her maids, in bondage dreary.”
[1259]
To him then spake brave Herwic: “Is this in truth your mind?
Ne’er shall my well-belovéd be left by me behind;
To take the ladies with us, e’en as we can, ’tis better.”
Him did Ortwin answer: “Here to be hacked with the sword for me were fitter.”
[1260]