Tale the Ninth

We speak no more of Hagen. A word may now be told About King Hettel’s kinsmen: they who land did hold Ever owed him fealty for these and for their castles; To court they all came often when Hettel and Hilda sent to call their vassals.

Wâ-te went to Sturmland, Morunc to Nifland rode; Horant, prince of Denmark, led his warriors good To Givers, by the seashore, where as lord they held him; There their homes they guarded, and many, far and wide, their master called him.

With mighty sway in Ortland Irold had his seat; Its lands he held of Hettel; so, as a vassal meet, Near and far to serve him, his duty was the greater: The king was brave and worthy; and ne’er for a lord of lands was known a better.

If ever in any kingdom Hettel heard them speak Of a fair and well-born maiden, her he sought to take Into his home and castle, as handmaid to his lady: Whatever Hilda wished for, to help wild Hagen’s child they all were ready.