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The Aquitainians under Alphere surrender to Attila, giving Walther as a hostage (75–92)

Once he had made the treaty and had set the tribute, 75
Attila marched his army into western parts.
In those days Alphere ruled the Aquitanians’ realms.
They say he had one child, whose sex was masculine;
Resplendent in the flower of youth, his name was Walter.
The kings, Alphere and Hereric, had sworn an oath 80
Between themselves that they would then unite their children
As soon as they had reached the age of marrying.
When he learned that these peoples had been overcome,
The king began to tremble with great fear of heart;
There was no hope now in defense by savage weapons. 85
“Why should we wait,” he says, “if we cannot wage war?
For France and Burgundy provide us an example.
To be compared to them brings no rebuke to us.
I will send envoys with commands to strike a pact
And offer my beloved son to be a hostage, 90
And pay the Huns immediately their future tribute.”
But why stretch out my tale? He did just as he said.

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Note: this English text is identical to that found in Waltharius and Ruodlieb, edited and translated by Dennis M. Kratz. The Garland library of medieval literature, Series A, vol. 14. New York: Garland Pub., 1984.