Meanwhile must men be making whatever we shall need

“Meanwhile must men be making whatever we shall need,— Sails and also rudders, well-made, and that with speed, Barges wide, and galleys, to bear us to our haven; So the swell of the waters shall stir us not, nor make us sick or craven.”

King Hettel said: “Ride quickly, now, to your land and home. For horses and for clothing no cost to you shall come; For you and all your followers such outfit shall be ready, That you no shame shall suffer, whenever you are seen by any lady.”

When he his leave had taken, Wâ-te to Sturmland rode; Horant and with him Fru-te followed in hurried mood, Back to the land of Denmark, where they held the lordship. To help their master Hettel they thought could never be to them a hardship.

Then, in his home, King Hettel let his will be known; Of shipwrights and of workmen idle was not one. While the ships were building to do their best they hastened; The beams that met together, were with bands of silver strongly fastened.

All the spars and mast-trees, they were strong and good; Red gold, and brightly shining, was laid on the rudder-wood, And like to fire was glowing: wealth their master blesses. When time it was for leaving, the men their tasks had done, and won high praises.

The ropes that held the anchors came from a far-off strand, Brought from the shores of Araby; never on sea or land, Before that day or after, had any man seen better: So might the men of the Hegelings easier make their way o’er the deep sea-water.

They who the sails were making worked late, and early rose; For the king had bid them hurry. For making these they chose Silken stuff from Abalie, as good as could be brought them. Truly far from idle were, in those days, the busy hands that wrought them.

Can any one believe it? They had the anchors made Of purest beaten silver. The heart of the king was led Strongly now to wooing; no rest would he be knowing, Nor of his men was sparing, until the day when they should thence be going.

Well-framed, with heavy planking, now the ships were seen, Sound ’gainst war and weather. Then word was sent to the men, That to seek the lovely lady they must soon be faring. This was told to no one but those who the trust of the king were rightly sharing.

Wâ-te to meet King Hettel from Sturmland held his course; With silver gear and housing, heavily went his horse. To court went, too, his followers, four hundred men undaunted; And now the doughty Hettel brave knights enough, for guests, no longer wanted.