her husband that he should marry
the youthful warrior, who had greatly distinguished himself at the head
of the Huns, to a Hunnish maiden. But Walthar had no mind for such a
match and declared himself unworthy of marriage, urging that if wedded
he might neglect his military duties, and declaring that nothing was so
sweet to him as for ever to be busy in the faithful service of his lord.
Attila, never doubting him, and lulled from all suspicion by further
victories won by him over a rebellious people, dismissed the matter
from his mind; but on returning from his successful campaign Walthar
had speech with Hildegund on the subject of their betrothal, hitherto
untouched between them.

At first she thought that he merely mocked her, but he protested that he
was weary of exile, was anxious to escape, and would have fled ere this
but that it grieved him to leave her alone at the Hunnish court. Her
reply is one characteristic of women in medieval days.

"Let my lord command," she said; "I am ready for his love to bear evil
hap or good."

She then provided him, out of the treasure-chests of Attila, with helm,
hauberk, and breast-plate. They filled two chests with Hunnish money in
the shape of golden rings, placed four pairs of sandals on the top and
several fish-hooks, and Walthar told Hildegund that all must be ready in
a week's time.

The Escape

On the seventh day after this Walthar gave a great feast to Attila, his
nobles, and his household. He pressed food and wine on the Huns, and
when their platters were clear and the tables removed, he handed to
the king a splendid carven goblet, full to the brim of the richest and
oldest wine. This Attila emptied at a draught, and ordered all his men
to follow his example. Soon the wine overcame the Huns, who, pressed by
Walthar, caroused so deeply that all were at last rendered unconscious.

Walthar gave the sign to Hildegund, and they slipped from the hall and
from the stable took his noble war-horse Lion, so named for his courage.
They hung the treasure-chests like panniers on each flank of the
charger, and taking with them some food for the journey, set off.
Hildegund took the reins, Walthar in full armour sitting behind her. All
night they did not draw rein, and during the day they hid in the gloomy
woods. At every breath, at the snapping of a twig, or the chirping of
a bird, Hildegund trembled. They avoided the habitations of men and
skirted the mountains, where but few f