The kinsmen of King Hettel upon the sands had left

The kinsmen of King Hettel upon the sands had left Many in death’s fast keeping; never knights bereft Their homeward way had taken, hearts so sorry bringing. Thereafter lovely women for this, with weeping eyes, their hands were wringing.

Ortwin, the knight of Ortland, who to the fight had come, After such shame and losses, back to fair Hilda’s home Feared to bring these tidings, his mother dear to sadden. She there was waiting daily, hoping her men would bring Gu-drun the maiden.

Wâ-te, fearing sorely, rode to Hilda’s land; The others dared not tell her of the loss on the Wulpensand. Ill in the storm of fighting, his strength her men had warded; Not lightly her forgiveness he hoped to gain, who thus her lord had guarded.