Upon the morrow early, thither to come was seen

Upon the morrow early, thither to come was seen Herwic, the lord of Sealand; soon he found the queen Weeping for her husband, who in death was lying. She gave the knight a welcome, with hands she ever wrung, and deeply sighing.

Seeing the lady weeping, then, too, to weep began The young and lordly Herwic; soon spake that well-born man: “Their lives not all have given, who help to you are owing, And who would gladly grant it; though many by their death their love were showing.

“My arm shall never falter, nor heart from care be free, Till Hartmut feels my anger, who stole the maid from me, And dared from home to tear her, death to many dealing: Soon will I ride to his borders; then will I seize and hold his lands and dwelling.”

His men, though filled with sorrow, rode towards the town, Flocking to Matelan castle. The queen her hope made known That, whatsoe’er might happen, their fealty would not weaken; And, though the worst befell them, that she by them would never be forsaken.

To her the men from Friesland and those from Sturmland went, And from the Danish kingdom were warriors likewise sent; The knights of Morunc also, from the land of Waleis riding, Thither came with the Hegelings, to where the fair Queen Hilda was abiding.