As he met his friendly liegemen, King Hettel wore a smile

As he met his friendly liegemen, King Hettel wore a smile; Then said he to them kindly: “Much have I feared erewhile For you, my faithful helpers, and a heavy heart was bearing, Lest in Hagen’s castles my men were held, and all were bondage sharing.”

Then for love he kissed them, both those gray old men; His eyes had never rested on so glad a sight as then, Nor on a fairer pasture had fed, with longing fonder. I ween that never to Hettel was aught so full of bliss and sudden wonder.

Then spake the aged Wâ-te: No harm to us was done; But yet a sway so mighty I ne’er before have known, As this that wild King Hagen over his lands now wieldeth: His followers bear them proudly, and he himself in strength to no one yieldeth.

“It was a day as happy as ever could be thought, When we to you sent tidings that we had Hilda brought, The loveliest of maidens (no falsehood have I spoken, Believe the tale I tell you) that ever in this world my eyes did look on.”

The high-born knight then added: “Belike with greatest speed Will come these daring foemen; for this should you take heed Lest the angry Hagen soon shall overtake us Here within your marches; if so, his hatred bitter woe will make us.”

Then Wâ-te and Sir Fru-te down to the shore did bring Many worthy followers, knights of Hettel, the king, There to see fair Hilda, and there must they await her. Upon their shining bucklers many a spear-shaft crashed in battle later.