Beyond her wont a little to laugh had the maid begun

Beyond her wont a little to laugh had the maid begun; For fourteen years now bygone she never bliss had known. Of her glee the bad she-devil quickly now was hearing; She gave the hint to Ludwig, for care she felt, and anger past all bearing.

She went at once to Hartmut, and said: “Oh, son of mine, List to the truth I tell you! throughout this land of thine, All within it dwelling shall see both strife and toiling. Why it is I know not, the fair young queen, Gu-drun, is now so smiling.

“I know not how it happened, or how the news she heard, But men sent out by her kinsmen hither to come have dared. Therefore, knightly Hartmut, some way must you be choosing, Lest, thro’ the friends she looks for, your worthy name and life you may be losing.”

He said: “Be not so fearful. I grudge it not to the maid That she, with all her women, should for a time be glad. All her nearest kinsmen far from me are dwelling; What harm can they be doing? I need not guard ’gainst ills they may be dealing.”

Gu-drun, now over-wearied, some of her maidens sent To see if her bed were ready, for she on sleep was bent; For a night at least her sorrow she could now be leaving. Then went with them most kindly King Hartmut’s chamberlain, his service giving.

Youths of the Norman palace before her bore the light; On her they ne’er had waited until that very night. Thirty beds or over now were found made ready; Nice were they and cleanly, meet for Gu-drun and many a well-born lady.