Of her gifts and her promises marvels now might the minstrel sing.

She bade men bear upon bucklers the gold bright-glittering;

And on all that desired and would take it freely did she bestow.

Never was wealth so lavished to spur men against a foe.

So a mighty array of warriors all-armed to the door drew near.

Then cried the viol-minstrel: “O yea, yet are we here!

Never so gladly beheld I heroes come to the fight

As these which have taken the treasure of the King to do us despite.”

Then many a stern voice shouted: “Ye heroes, come more nigh!

Make ye an end of us quickly, seeing we needs must die!