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With that in haste they mounted: forth flew squire and knight, Whate'er their lord commanded, that pa.s.s'd with all for right; The better thus their duties they did when need requir'd.

Yet nothing knew Dame Gotelind, who sat in power retir'd.

TWENTY-SEVENTH ADVENTURE

RUDEGER'S HOSPITALITY

I

There lingered not the margrave, but straight the ladies sought, His wife and his fair daughter, and what good news he brought, By Eckewart deliver'd, told with exulting glee, How their good lady's brethren their guests were soon to be.

II

"My dearest love and lady," his tale he thus 'gan tell, "The n.o.ble kings approaching receive, as fits them, well, Since hither they are pa.s.sing to court with all their clan; Accord, too, like fair greeting to Hagan, Gunther's man.

III

"With them besides on duty comes one that Dankwart hight; And yet a third call'd Folker, a well-train'd courtly knight.

These six must you, Dame Gotelind, and you, fair daughter, kiss.

Nor at your hands let any of fitting kindness miss."

IV

That promis'd straight the ladies, and ready all things made.

Large store of goodly raiment forth from the chests they laid, That they such n.o.ble warriors might meet in fit array; Many a lovely lady bestirr'd herself that day.

V

How little spurious colors on their fresh cheeks were found!

Far-glittering golden fillets about their heads they wound, And in such gorgeous bondage confin'd their radiant hair, Lest the light frolic breezes should work disorder there.

VI

So let us leave the ladies in no unpleasing toil.

Meanwhile the friends of Rudeger swift scour'd the sounding soil, Till, where they found the princes, they made a sudden stand.

The guests were warmly welcom'd to the good margrave's land.

VII

When to his home the margrave saw the Burgundians come, Exulting thus bespoke he the strangers all and some, "Welcome, ye lords! right welcome, you and your va.s.sals too.

Here in my land full gladly I see such friends as you."

VIII

The brethren to his greeting their stately heads inclin'd, To the loving love returning, and kindness to the kind.

Apart he greeted Hagan, whom he had known of old; The same did he to Folker the minstrel blithe and bold.

IX

Last welcom'd he Sir Dankwart, who thus his host bespake, "Since you will give us shelter, pray who in charge will take The train we have brought hither, all in such weary plight?"

Then answer'd him the margrave, "Well will you rest to-night.

X

"My people shall keep safely all you have hither brought, Silver and steeds and raiment; you need not think of aught.

Be sure, I'll take such order, that loss shall none occur.

You'll not miss all among you as much as half a spur.

XI

"So pitch your tents, ye yeomen, in the field apace; Whatever here is missing, I'll willingly replace; Off with bit and saddle--turn loose your weary steeds."

Such a host had rarely supplied the wanderer's needs.

XII

Well pleased were the Burgundians; when all was brought to pa.s.s, The lords rode on together; the yeomen on the gra.s.s Laid them down in cl.u.s.ters; there to repose they fell; I ween, in all their journey they ne'er had far'd so well.

XIII

And now from forth the castle the n.o.ble margravine Had gone with her fair daughter; beside them there was seen Many a lovely lady, and many a smiling maid, All deck'd with store of bracelets, and in bright robes array'd.

XIV

Precious stones were sparkling ever and anon About their gorgeous raiment; themselves yet brighter shone.

Thither rode up the strangers and lighted instantly.

Ah! what high bearing had they, those chiefs of Burgundy!

XV