Than true and faithful friendship? Gold and jewels even,

Whate’er the kingdom holdeth, to Hildeburg most rightly should be given.”

[1586]

Then said to her Queen Hilda: “To me it hath been told

How she both weal and sorrow hath borne with you of old.

Never shall I sit happy beneath the crown I’m wearing,

Till I indeed reward her for all the ills that she with you was sharing.”

[1587]

At once she kissed the maiden, and others, too, as well.

Then Hilda said to Fru-te: “No shame for this I feel,—