Then, in the midst of uproar, they rode away from the shore

Then, in the midst of uproar, they rode away from the shore; Up the castle of Ballian came also many more, Led by a tale of wonder that the son of the king was living,— Of their king so rich and mighty; a thing so strange was to many past believing.

The water-weary pilgrims, long-tossed upon the sea, When fourteen days were ended to leave the land were free. To them by the host were given gifts of gold, bright shining; By the help of his son’s great kindness he hoped a lasting friendship to be winning.

Hagen his maidens never henceforth unthought-of leaves; Kindly doth he teach them ofttimes to bathe in the waves. He showed himself most loving, ever for them caring; Rich clothes to them were given, and wise beyond his years was all his bearing.

Now was the youth beginning to be a man well-grown. He ever showed his kinsmen the skill to warriors known; Whate’er a knight befitteth with hand and weapon doing. In the land of his father, Sigeband, his mighty sway he soon to all was showing.

Hagen was ever learning what doth a king beseem. He who of knights is leader must ever free from shame And every stain be living; this earns fair women’s praises. So gentle was he truly that every one with wonder on him gazes.

Brave he was and daring, (such is the olden song,) And ever was he ready to right his neighbor’s wrong. He high upheld his honor in all things, never fearing; Throughout the land, his praises were spoken and were sung in all men’s hearing.

In a waste he grew to manhood, that youthful son of a king, Wild beasts his only fellows; but none so quick could spring That they to flee were able, if he for them was striving. I ween both he and his maidens had wonders seen, while by the waters living.

Rightly his name was Hagen; but later men did own He was “of kings the Devil;” so came he to be known In every land and kingdom, such was his strength in fighting. The bold and wild young Hagen well did earn his name, his foemen smiting.

He oft was begged by his kinsmen that he a wife would take; One so fair was near him that none had need to seek A fairer or a lovelier, all earthly kingdoms over. He himself had taught her; with her in sorrow grown, and now her lover.

She bore the name of Hilda; from India she had come, And love she oft had shown him under their wretched doom, Since, in their early childhood, he in the cave had found her. None better need he wish for, or seek in any land the heavens under.

His father bade him hasten to be knighted with the sword, With a hundred of his vassals. He gave, with kindly word, To him and to his maidens, for clothes and horses needed, A thousand marks of silver. Hagen said that the will of his father should be heeded.

The news of this was bruited through many a prince’s land; And the day when it should happen all did understand. Soon the king’s great kindness from all won praises golden In a year and three days after the festival of knighting them was holden.

For this the knights made busy, glad to be bidden there. Soon they made them bucklers, bright and painted fair; In making showy saddles the workmen were not idle; With gold both red and shining the breastplate was bedecked, as was the bridle.

Upon a broad green meadow the guests of the mighty king Were bidden then to gather. He left not anything That they from him could ask for; seats were spread in order, And many guests soon after were seen to ride to his land from every border.

To those from far now ready the sword with him to bear Fighting-gear was given, that beseemed them well to wear. They who from other kingdoms into his land were faring A thousand men were reckoned; to give them clothes and steeds he was not sparing.

Unto his friends then said he: “If now you deem it fit That men a king should call me, it therefore seemeth meet That she my heart holds dearest a crown with me be wearing; Never shall I rest happy until, for her love to me, she this is sharing.”

Then asked of him his followers who might the lady be, Who, riding proudly before them, they at court should see? He said: “Her name is Hilda, in India once living; To me and to my kindred she, as our queen, no shame will e’er be giving.”