Thither rode from Denmark Horant young and brave

Thither rode from Denmark Horant young and brave; Hettel to do his errand did trusty liegemen have; A thousand men or over might he for this be sending; Only a prince so mighty of such a task had ever made an ending.

Irold, too, of Ortland, was ready now to go: E’en though on him King Hettel should never clothes bestow, Yet, for himself and his followers, he had of these so many, That wheresoe’er they were going, they never need to beg for aught from any.

The king, as well beseemed him, greeted all the band; First, his liegeman Irold he kindly took by the hand; Then he turned to Wâ-te, to where he found him seated: At last, his hardy warriors, ready to leave the land, his word awaited.

To all it now was bidden that they should give good heed, And everything make ready that knights could ever need. Now were seen by the warriors the ships so fair and stately; To woo the lovely Hilda the king in all things showed his forethought greatly.

Two new and well-made galleys they had upon the flood, With two broad ships of burden; both were strong and good. A ship of state went with them; than this had ne’er a better, By any friend or foeman, on the shores of any land, been seen upon the water.

To start they now are willing; already on the ships Were the clothes and horses loaded. Then from Wâ-te’s lips Came kindly words to Hettel; he begged him to feel easy, Till they should again be coming, for to do his bidding they would all be busy.

The king to him said mournfully: “I give into your care The knights, untaught and youthful, who such risks will dare, With you upon this errand: most earnestly I pray you That, for your honor, daily you teach these youths with care, and make them to obey you.”

Him thus Wâ-te answered: “To that give not a thought; Keep a brave heart, I beg you, that here at home, in nought You fail of being steadfast, where’er your honor reaches: Watch well, too, o’er our holdings: these youths shall learn from me what wisdom teaches.”

The good and trusty Fru-te the wealth of the king did guard,— The gold and costly jewels, and of many things a hoard. The king was free in spending whatsoe’er was wanted; If Fru-te aught did ask for, thirty-fold to him he gladly granted.

A hundred men were chosen, and now within the ship, Wherein to woo the maiden his friends must cross the deep, All craftily were hidden, to help them, if ’twere needful. Gifts both rich and worthy the king to give these faithful men was heedful.

With these, among the followers, every rank was seen; Of knights and squires also, thirty hundred men, Who, for toil and struggle, from far-off lands came riding. Then said the king to his lieges: “May God in heaven to you give careful guiding.”

To him thus Horant answered: “From fear now be you free; When you shall see us coming, you then with us will see A maid so fair and lovely, you well may wish to greet her.” This the king heard gladly, but far was the day when he at last should meet her.

They took their leave with kisses, the king and many a guest; For these the king was feeling wearisome unrest. While they for him are toiling, each hour he fear must borrow; He forsooth was downcast, and nought could cheer him, in his mood of sorrow.