The truth we cannot tell you, nor can it e’en be guessed

The truth we cannot tell you, nor can it e’en be guessed, For nights full six and thirty what lodgings gave them rest, While upon the water. The youths they with them carried, Bound by oaths of fealty, swore again to keep them, where’er they tarried.

However willing were they to sail on the tossing sea, Yet sometimes it befell them in great unrest to be. Ease they took but seldom, as the waves would spare it; But he who ploughs the waters pain must often feel, and yet must bear it.

After the waves had borne them full a thousand miles, They came to Hagen’s castle, where, as was said erewhiles, He, the master of Ballian, shamefully had lorded: This was a wicked falsehood, the deeds were never done as the tale was worded.

When now the men from Hegeling over the sea had gone, And neared wild Hagen’s castle, their coming soon was known; Much the folk there wondered from what far kingdom sailing The waves had borne them thither; how finely they were clad all men were telling.

First the ship with an anchor was fastened on the strand; To furl the sails then quickly each gave a ready hand. It was not long thereafter before the news was bruited, Throughout King Hagen’s castle, that ships, with unknown men, in his harbor floated.