Of these came three and sixty; on them did Hartmut look

Of these came three and sixty; on them did Hartmut look. Then Gu-drun, the high-born, with lofty breeding spoke: “Behold, my lord, these maidens! Is it your worth befitting That they are thus uncared for?” He said: “No more shall they the like be meeting.”

Then spake the high-born lady: “Hartmut, for love of me, I beg that these my maidens, whom here in shame you see, May have a bath made ready. Let now my word be heeded; You ought yourself to see them decked in the comely clothes they long have needed.”

To her then answered Hartmut, of knights a worthy one: “Gu-drun, belovéd lady, if clothes the maids have none Erst by them brought hither, when they their home were leaving, To them yet other clothing, the best in all the world, will I be giving.

“Gladly would I see them, with you, more fitly clad.” Then by those in waiting baths were ready made. Among the kin of Hartmut chamberlains many were there; To help Gu-drun they hastened, thinking that later she their hopes would further.

Gu-drun and all her maidens were by the bath made glad; Then the best of clothing that any ever had To all the homeless women alike was freely given. The lowliest one among them might gain the love of a king, if she had striven.

When they their bath had taken, wine to them was brought; In all the land of Normandy none better need be sought; And soon the weary maidens the best of mead were drinking. To Hartmut thanks were given; to gain such praises how could he e’er be thinking!

Soon the lovely maiden was seated in the hall. Gerlind bade her daughter then, with her maidens all, To don their clothing quickly, the finest and most fitting, If they Queen Hilda’s daughter wished to see, among her maidens sitting.

At once the well-born Ortrun clothed her in her best; To seek Gu-drun then straightway gladly did she haste. The grandchild of wild Hagen quickly went to meet her; When they saw each other, the happiness of both was never greater.