Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully.

Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild

In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams

Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams

Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke,

Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled,

Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke.

Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair,

She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm,

Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm