By Wâ-te they were guided from the castle down to the sand

By Wâ-te they were guided from the castle down to the sand: Two ships they found, with row-boats, lying by the strand; One of these they seized on, and, helped by breezes blowing, They fast away were sailing: throughout twelve days they to their homes were going.

When to the land of the Hegelings they had brought the maid, Many knights bethought them over the sand to speed, To meet the lovely lady, and all with banners hasted. They who had brought the maiden had kept their oaths, nor from the task had rested.

How could any maiden a better welcome find? Gu-drun went forth to meet her, and gave her greeting kind; Hilda, with many ladies, to see the maiden hasted: Nor came King Herwic’s sister all alone, though with fire her land was wasted.

She from home was followed by full three hundred men. Now when the kingly Herwic his sister met again, He, to show her honor, rode forward, proudly dashing; So did many others: loud were the shields of the knights together clashing.

Four kings both rich and mighty rode to meet her there; Thereon the knights ’gan wrangle which of the ladies fair Was loveliest and fairest. Long their time they wasted, For all alike were worthy; on this at last their wordy war they rested.