“I do not hold you lightly; you are of maids the best.
My coming, queenly lady, hide within your breast;
Again, ere morning lightens, these shores will I be treading,—
For this my troth I pledge you,— eighty thousand followers with me leading.”
[1265]
As fast as they were able they hastened then away;
Never friends were sundered more sadly than that day
Were these from one another; (the truth to you I’m telling.)
As far as their eyes could follow, the maidens watched the boat away fast sailing.
[1266]