Since by the craft of Wigaleis King Hettel has been led

“Since by the craft of Wigaleis King Hettel has been led, And by the aged Wâ-te, hither our way we’ve made Into the Hegeling kingdom, time and toil thus spending; For this shall many be fatherless, and glad shall I be of the whole to make an ending.”

Those sent forth by Hartmut fast on their way did ride, For he bade them wait no longer. They came to a castle wide, By name ycleped Matelan; therein was Hilda dwelling, And with her was her daughter, the maid about whose charms all men were telling.

With them sent Hartmut also two earls of wealth and name, Who with him out of Normandy over the waters came. He bade them see Queen Hilda, and kindly to bespeak her; To pledge to her his friendship, and say that his goodwill would ne’er forsake her.

Of her they must ask her daughter, for him who in his mind So high had ever set her, above all womankind: In worthy love he wooed her, and she would rank be taking That for aye would make her happy; to do her will she ne’er would find him lacking.

To the maiden’s waiting-women the news was quickly told, That from out the land of Normandy a band of wooers bold Hither rode to Matelan, and for Gu-drun were suing: Hilda hushed the tidings, for now Gu-drun in fright the tale was ruing.

Queen Hilda’s faithful warders opened soon the gate; Those who had ridden thither need no longer wait; They to come in were bidden. The gate was thrown wide open, And the men sent there by Hartmut into Matelan rode: no ill to them did happen.

They quickly told their wishes, to see King Hettel’s wife. It was not yet allowed them; they who should guard her life, And to the king must answer, at first had this forbidden: They never left uncared for Hilda the queen, and eke Gu-drun the maiden.

At last the men of Hartmut into the hall were led. To them the queenly Hilda kindly greeting made, As did Gu-drun the lady, with fair and lofty bearing; But she, the high-born maiden, love for Herwic in her heart was wearing.

Altho’ they felt unfriendly, yet drink they gave to the men Ere yet they told their errand; freely then the queen Bade them to be seated before herself and her daughter. She begged them then to tell her: “What boon to seek had brought them o’er the water?”

All the men of Hartmut before their seats yet stood, As well-bred men beseemeth, and errand-bearers should. Then they told the ladies what they would there be doing,— That for their master, Hartmut, they for the fair Gu-drun had come a-wooing.

The high-born maiden answered: “Of this I nought will hear,— That with the young King Hartmut I the crown should share, Before our friendly kinsmen, and troth to him be plighted: The name of the knight is Herwic whose love shall never by myself be slighted.

“To him I am betrothed; me he chose for a wife, And him for myself I have taken. Ever, throughout his life, All of good I wish him that can henceforth befall him: Ne’er, till my days are ended, will I ask the love of another, or my lord will call him.”

One of them then answered: “This warning Hartmut gives: If nay shall be your answer, before three days, if he lives, Against great Matelan castle you shall see him leading All his knightly followers.” Smiles at this were the maiden’s face o’erspreading.

Their leave they would be taking, and hasten on their way, Those two great earls so haughty; but Hilda bade them stay. Altho’ she ne’er had known them, of gifts she was not chary; But yet they would not take them, for crafty men were they, and in truth were wary.