We now will speak no longer of the toil the maidens bore

We now will speak no longer of the toil the maidens bore For knights as well as ladies. Queen Hilda evermore Her thoughts to this had given how to win back her daughter, Out of the Norman kingdom, whither from home the daring Hartmut brought her.

First were workmen bidden, near to the deep sea-flood, Of ships to build her seven, strong, well made, and good; With two-and-twenty barges, broad, with both ends rounded. Whate’er for them was needed was quickly brought, and everything abounded.

Forty galleys also lay upon the sea; On these her eyes were feeding. Longing great had she To see the throng of fighters who should soon be sailing. She their food made ready; for this the knights her praise were loudly telling.

The time was drawing nearer, when now to cross the sea No more should they be waiting, who wished the maids to free, That in a far-off kingdom in hardest toil were living. Now Hilda sent for her liegemen; to those who called them clothes she first was giving.

The day that she had chosen was at the Christmas-tide, When they must seek the foemen by whom King Hettel died. Forthwith to friends and kinsmen Hilda gave her bidding, That they to bring her daughter back from the Norman land must then be speeding.

Trusty men were bidden by Hilda first to go To Herwic and his followers, that one and all should know Of the inroad on the Normans that she had sworn and plotted. To many Hegeling children this erelong an orphan’s life allotted.