Then asked of him his followers who might the lady be,

Who, riding proudly before them, they at court should see?

He said: “Her name is Hilda, in India once living;

To me and to my kindred she, as our queen, no shame will e’er be giving.”

[178]

Well pleased was now his mother, when she the tidings had,

That they thought to crown the lady; his father, too was glad.

Of them was she so worthy, that high in heart they set her.

With him the sword was taken by full six hundred; the number e’en was greater.

[179]