Soon as Matelan castle now from the ships was seen

Soon as Matelan castle now from the ships was seen, Of sackbuts and of trumpets loud began the din, Of horns as well as fluting, and drums that men were beating. The ships of the aged Wâ-te at last in a harbor good their rest were meeting.

After these came also Ortland’s warriors brave; Then Hilda with her ladies to them a welcome gave. Out from Matelan’s castle she to the shore went riding; Gu-drun they saw was coming, with well-bred maidens wont to do her bidding.

Alighted from their horses, and standing on the sand, Were Hilda and all her ladies. Then, leading by the hand Gu-drun, the lovely maiden, came Irold, proud and knightly. Though Hilda well had known her, yet now she knew her not, nor others rightly.

Hilda, among the followers a hundred women saw; She said: “I know not truly which one from me should draw A mother’s loving welcome; unknown to me is my daughter: I give to all my greeting who here with her have come across the water.”