Upon the fourth day’s morning to court they bravely rode

Upon the fourth day’s morning to court they bravely rode, With new and well-cut clothing; none better ever showed. Then the guests there gathered were their wishes speaking; Of the king and all his liegemen they asked that they their leave might now be taking.

Then spake to them King Hagen: “Why will you leave my land? So far as I was able, I have striven for this end,— That you within my kingdom should meet with kindness only; Now would you hence be sailing, leaving me here, to lead a life all lonely.”

To him old Wâ-te answered: “The Hegeling king, our lord, Has sent to call us homeward; he will not hear a word Of aught but our forgiveness. Then, too, for us are mourning Those we left behind us; we therefore soon must back on our way be turning.”

Then said to him wild Hagen: “Your loss my heart doth break; Horses and fine clothing deign, for my love, to take, With gold and costly jewels. Right well it doth beseem me For all your gifts to pay you; in this shall no one ever dare to blame me.”

Then said the hoary Wâ-te: “Too rich am I to-day That I the gold you give us should wish to take away. Our master, whose forgiveness our friends have lately won us, The rich and mighty Hettel, in such a deed would truly never own us.

“One thing we have yet further, my lord, to ask of thee; (If you this kindness show us, a worthy boon, ’twill be.) It is that you shall witness how well we can be feasting; Of food for hearty eaters we have in store what might three years be lasting.

“To all who ask we give it, for hence we sail o’er the deep; May God long give you honor, yourself may He ever keep. We now betake us homeward, we here may bide no longer; Now may you and your kinsfolk ride with us to our ship; no guard were stronger.

“If but your lovely daughter, and with her my lady, your wife, Shall look upon our riches, glad will it make our life, And dear to us forever. If this to us be granted, Great and good King Hagen, from you no other gifts shall e’er be wanted.”

Then to his guests he answered, with seemly, well-bred mien: “Since you are now so earnest, at early morn shall be seen A hundred mares made ready, saddled for woman or maiden; I, too, will ride down with them; right glad am I that to see your ship I’m bidden.”