When they had heard this answer, back to the shore they went

When they had heard this answer, back to the shore they went Whence they had been by Hartmut upon their errand sent. He then ran forth to meet them, to ask how they were treated, And what had them befallen, and how his courtship by Gu-drun was greeted.

Then one of them thus answered: “This to us they said: The high and queenly maiden a lover long has had, For whom, beyond all others, love in her heart she is feeling: If you will not taste their wine-cup, they soon will fill to you, your life-blood spilling.”

“Ah, woe is me!” said Hartmut, when he this answer heard; “My heart is full of anger, with shame I hear your word! Never men more friendly shall I need, till I am dying, Than those who now will help me.” Straightway his men upsprang, on the shore then lying.

Ludwig now and Hartmut, with their men, set out for war; Their banners high uplifted in pride and wrath they bore. These from Matelan castle were seen afar to shimmer: “Cheer up!” then said the maiden; “Herwic and Hettel come! their weapons glimmer!”

But Hilda saw the standard bore not King Hettel’s mark: “Ah, woe shall now betide us before this day grows dark! To seek Gu-drun are coming foemen grim and daring; Many a well-made helmet their blows shall hew before the night is nearing.”

Then her friendly Hegelings thus to Hilda spake: “If those led on by Hartmut to-day an onslaught make, Wounds we then must deal them, and show we are the stronger.” Queen Hilda then gave bidding to shut the castle gates, and wait no longer.

But the men of brave King Hettel followed not her hest; They who the castle guarded thought to fight their best. They bade that now their banners to the shafts be fastened; King Hettel’s daring followers, to slay his foes, from out the castle hastened.

The bars that should be lowered, to keep the foemen out, Were left, in over-boldness, and the gates not fully shut, Since from Hartmut’s foreguard they little harm foreboded. But when they pressed in boldly, then came the rest, who ever on them crowded.

A thousand men or over stood before the gate; These, their swords upbearing, the fight did there await. A thousand more with Hartmut now came thronging thickly; They then from their steeds alighted, and back to the rear they sent their horses quickly.

Spears in hand they carried, with points full keen to cut. Who could shun their onset? With heavy wounds they smote Those who the castle guarded, in their pride o’erweening. Just at the hour came Ludwig, with his Norman knights, as the fight was now beginning.

Much the women sorrowed as Ludwig nearer rode: The banners o’er them floating well and proudly showed The fearless foe oncoming; beneath each standard flocking, Three thousand now came boldly, tho’ sad on their homeward way they might yet be looking.

Before the walls beleaguered the guards were a busy band: Never hardier fighters were seen in any land Than were the faithful warders in Hettel’s castle dwelling; Their blows they were thickly dealing, and Hartmut’s men their strength were quickly feeling.

Ludwig, Hartmut’s father, the Norman king, was seen From hardened rims of bucklers to strike a fiery sheen: Truly, great was the bravery that now his heart was swelling; His friends and followers also, in the bloody game, were bold beyond all telling.

When they who the castle guarded hoped for rest and peace, Then their daring foemen did nearer to them press, Led by him of Normandy: the youthful Hartmut’s father Grudged no toil to help him; and this from that day’s fight one well might gather.

Now the trustful warders began in truth to mourn, That they, ’gainst Hilda’s bidding, had their care forborne,— The hest of the wife of Hettel, the high and worthy lady. For this their shields were shattered, and many a life was lost, in fight too ready.

Ludwig now and Hartmut on the field had met, And, holding speech together, learned that, striving yet, Queen Hilda’s men were seeking the castle gates to fasten; Then, with shields before them, to bear their flags within they all did hasten.

Rocks were hurled from the castle, and many spears were thrown, But the foe it hurt but little, and his daring lessened none. Little thought was given to the dead around them lying: With heavy stones down beaten, many bold besiegers there fell dying.

When Hartmut and King Ludwig came within the gate, Many, badly wounded, from them their death-stroke met. For this the lovely maiden began to sorrow sorely; Now in Hettel’s castle the woe they wrought was growing greater hourly.

Then the king of Normandy was glad enough, I ween, When to the halls of Hettel he could lead his men, Bearing well their weapons: soon his banner fluttered Over the roof of the castle. Hilda at this her sorrow loudly uttered.

Greatly do I wonder what might these guests befall, Had now the grim old Wâ-te been there, and seen it all, The while the men of Hartmut, with Ludwig, brave and daring, Thro’ the halls were rushing, and from her home the fair Gu-drun were tearing.

Both Wâ-te and King Hettel, if to them that day A warning had been given, would stoutly have barred the way; They their foemen’s helmets with swords would so have riven That back to their homes in Normandy, without Gu-drun, would they have soon been driven.

Now within the castle were all in saddest mood; So men to-day might sorrow. Whate’er the foemen would, There did they lay hands on, and took from out the dwelling. Rich grew Hartmut’s followers,— you well may trust that I the truth am telling.