In garments wet there standing, was seen the high-born maid

In garments wet there standing, was seen the high-born maid; With eyes still dim with weeping, greeting to him she said. Forward she came to meet him; and now so near was standing That he, in fondness turning, her in his arms would clasp, towards her bending.

She said: “Not so, King Hartmut, this you may not do; For men in truth would wonder if they should look on you. Nought am I but a washer; in scorn would they be holding You, a king so mighty, if in your arms Gu-drun you should be folding.”

“This will I, Sir Hartmut, freely to you allow, When, by my crown, your kinsmen me as a queen shall know. No longer shall I scorn you, when I that name am bearing: For both will this be fitting; me in your arms to take you may then be daring.”

Then, with all good-breeding, he farther off withdrew, And thus Gu-drun he answered: “Maiden fair and true, Since now you deign to love me, richly will I reward you; Myself and all my kinsmen, whate’er you bid, will kindness show toward you.”

Then said to him the maiden: “Such bliss I never knew. If, after my weary toiling, I aught may ask of you, This first of all I wish for, that I, poor wretched lady, This night, before I slumber, may have for me a restful bath made ready.

“And list to me yet further: another boon I crave; ’Tis that my friendly maidens I now with me may have. Among Queen Gerlind’s women you will find them, sad and weary; But in their room no longer those toiling ones away from me must tarry.”