The night was drawing nearer, the air was colder growing;
The guests no longer waited: to seek a shelter they in haste were going.
[1592]
Then with the guests Queen Hilda rode up on to the plain.
Before great Matelan castle huts and tents were seen
Bedecked with gold and shining; there the guests were seated
Upon rich seats made ready: within the tents were all most kindly treated.
[1593]
Such wealth, at Hilda’s bidding, was brought up to the land,
That none need leave behind him his pledge or bond to stand.