Grooms and also stewards with Hagen then did ride

Grooms and also stewards with Hagen then did ride, With cup-bearers and carvers. Ne’er, in his greatest pride, In his home and kingdom, had he been served so truly. The crown was worn by Hilda, and Hagen’s heart with bliss was brimming fully.

Food as well as lodgings they found upon their road; On Hagen and his followers all men their care bestowed: So to their homes most gladly they the tale did carry Of how the friends of Hettel in showing them all kindness ne’er were weary.

Hagen greeted Hildeburg, and clasped her in his arms; He said, “Watch over Hilda for the love your bosom warms. So great a throng of followers at times a woman dazes; Care for her so kindly that of your worth all men shall speak with praises.”

“My lord, that will I gladly: to you has much been told Of the woes that with her mother I bore in days of old; And I for years my friendship for her did never loosen; Her for miles I followed ere for a lover you by her were chosen.”

Hagen bade the others their way to court to take; Never then could the maidens an end of weeping make: Now by the hand he took them, and to Hettel they were given; He asked for them his kindness, since from their homes they sadly had been riven.

Then said he to his daughter: “So well the crown now wear, That neither I nor your mother the tale shall ever hear That men ill-will do bear you. High your lot has raised you, And you of blame were worthy, if when men spoke your name they never praised you.”