Tale the Twenty-Fifth

After they long had waited, now saw these washers lone Two in a boat fast nearing; others were there none. Then said the maiden, Hildeburg, unto Gu-drun, the lady: “These two are sailing hither; perhaps the friends sent here are come already.”

She, full of sorrow, answered: “Ah, woe is me, poor maid! Although, in truth I’m happy, I yet am also sad. If at the seaside washing Queen Hilda’s men shall see us, Standing thus barefooted, we from the shame of this can never free us.

“A poor, unhappy woman, I know not what to do: Hildeburg, my dearest, your mind now let me know; To hide me were it better, or shall I stay to shame me When they shall find me toiling? Rather would I that they a drudge should name me.”