Those who came with Morunc wore mantles over all

Those who came with Morunc wore mantles over all, With robes from far Kampalia. Fiery red, as a coal, Gold and gems that sparkled on their clothes were shining. Irold, the daring champion, came not alone, young Hilda bent on winning.

Thither came brave Horant; all others he out-vied In rich and costly clothing. With mantles long and wide, Gay in hue and gaudy, his men were decked out brightly: Those brave men from Denmark proudly came, and had a look most knightly.

Tho’ Hagen’s birth was kingly, and lordly was his mood, He yet went forth to meet them. His daughter, fair and good, Rose up before old Wâ-te from where she now was seated. Such was Wâ-te’s bearing as if with smiles his friends he never greeted.

She said, in way most seemly: “Welcome to you I give; Both I and the king, my father, must from your looks believe That you are weary warriors, and sorely have been fighting. Good-will the king will show you, and soon his faith to you will he be plighting.”

To her they all bent lowly; their ways, they were well-bred. The king then bade to be seated, as hosts are wont to bid. Of drink to them was given, wine the best and rarest; Better ne’er was tasted in the home of any lord, albeit the fairest.

In talk and fun and merriment seated were they all. Soon the queenly maiden was seen to leave the hall: But first she begged her father the kindness now to show her To bid the knights so worthy to come to her, for pastime, to her bower.

Her wish the king then granted, (so to us, ’tis said); His young and lovely daughter at this was truly glad. Soon fair clothes and jewels the maidens all were wearing; And earnestly were watching the many knights from far, to see their bearing.

When now the elder Hilda sat by her daughter fair, Each one of her lovely maidens demeaned herself with care; So that all who saw her high in breeding thought her, And nothing else could say of her, but that she was indeed a king’s fair daughter.