A happy tale you bring me,” said then the well-bred queen

“A happy tale you bring me,” said then the well-bred queen; “My life with care and sadness by them hath cumbered been. If e’er my eyes behold them, ill shall they be faring: Through them have I much sorrow, untold and openly, for years been bearing.

“The news that you have brought me a rich reward shall gain; For you my heart have lightened of hopeless woe and pain. Gold I give you freely, and this I do most rightly.” They said: “Most noble lady, to make us rich we need your gold but slightly.

“Of the booty we have gotten we’re bringing home so much, You need not think us scornful if your gold we do not touch: Indeed, our boats are heavy with shining gold they’re bearing. Over all our riches keepers we have, who well for it are caring.”

Then did Lady Hilda, when she the tidings heard That guests so dear were coming, for food and drink give word; For stools and benches, also, on which they should be seated. She of all was thoughtful, that they might feel that they were fitly greeted.

Now at Matelan castle none were idle found; Down on the sandy beaches and on the level ground Workmen quickly gathered, who nought of toil abated That fair Gu-drun and Herwic, as them beseemed, should worthily be seated.

I cannot tell you truly if aught upon the sea Of ill had them befallen. Six long weeks it must be Ere Ortwin’s men saw Matelan at length before them looming. They brought with them their lady, and many well-bred maids with her were coming.