Waltharius13English

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The Franks under Gibich surrender to Attila, giving Hagen as a hostage (13–33)

He broke camp, ordered them to move against the Franks,
Whose king, Gibicho, governed from his lofty throne,
Rejoicing in his newborn heir (of whom more later); 15
For he had fathered a male child, whom he called Gunther.
A rumor, flying, reached the frightened monarch’s ears,
Announcing that a hostile force had crossed the Danube,
In number greater than the stars or river’s sands.
The king, not trusting in his people’s arms or strength, 20
Then calls a council and asks what ought to be done.
They all agreed a treaty should be asked for, and,
If they would grant it, that right hands be clasped in right,
That hostages be given, a stated tribute paid:
For better that than lose not just their lives and lands 25
But also lose their children and their wives as well.
At that time noble Hagen was a youthful soldier;
Of excellent character, he came from Trojan stock.
And him (since Gunther had not reached the age when he,
Without his mother, could sustain his tender life) 30
They chose to send with a huge treasure to the king.
Without delay the envoys, bearing tribute and
The youth, arrive; they sue for peace and sign the treaty.

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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.