x.x.xII

Next dower'd was the fair maiden with castles and with land; With an oath a.s.surance was giv'n by Gunther's hand, As well as by Lord Gernot's, that so it should be done.

Then said the n.o.ble margrave, "Since castles I have none,

x.x.xIII

"With you will I forever a faithful friendship hold; A hundred sumpters' burden of silver and of gold (No unbefitting portion) I'll give the gentle bride, So that the bridegroom's warriors may well be satisfied."

x.x.xIV

Then had the bride and bridegroom within a ring to stand, For such was then the custom; a merry stripling band Encircled the fair couple, and gaz'd on them their fill, And thought the while as idly as think young people still.

x.x.xV

Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain, If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain; Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one; She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done.

x.x.xVI

Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes,"

And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tenderness Young Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy, Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy!

x.x.xVII

Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and n.o.ble kings, When you, as is the custom, after your revellings Return by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you, To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do.

x.x.xVIII

The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last.

With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pa.s.s'd, And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day.

Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they.

x.x.xIX

Their fast they scarce had broken, when they at once would start For the realm of Hungary; "You must not thus depart,"

Said the good host Sir Rudeger; "awhile here tarry yet, Such guests and so beloved but seldom have I met."

XL

"That must not be," said Dankwart, "your ruin you design, Where can you find provisions, bread as well as wine, If day by day an army is eating up your store?"

Soon as the host had heard him, he said, "Talk thus no more.

XLI

"Nay, thus to refuse me, my dear lords, do not think; For fourteen days together I'll find you meat and drink, You and all those about you, your well-appointed train.

Full little of my substance has yet King Etzel ta'en."

XLII

Whate'er excuse they offer'd, there perforce they stay'd Feasting till the fourth morning; then well their host display'd His far-renowned bounty, and to his parting guests Gave without stint for presents proud steeds and gorgeous vests.

XLIII

This now could last no longer; thence must they forward fare.

Little his custom'd bounty did then the margrave spare.

All then was had for asking; that morn denied was none; All kindness and all honor to every guest was done.

XLIV

And now their n.o.ble meiny brought up before the gate Store of good chargers saddled; thither to swell their state Flock'd troops of foreign champions, all bearing shield in hand, All with the Rhenish brethren bound to King Etzel's land.

XLV

The n.o.ble host in plenty proffer'd his gifts to all Before the n.o.ble strangers came outside the hall.

With open hand liv'd Rudeger, stout heart, and honor clear; He now his lovely daughter had given to Giselher.

XLVI

Then gave he valiant Gernot a sword full sharp and bright, Which soon the bold Burgundian bore manfully in fight.

That so her husband gave it, well pleased the margrave's wife.

Alas! the fatal present cost Rudeger his life.

XLVII

Then to the great King Gunther he gave from out his store A mailcoat, that with honor the st.u.r.dy champion wore.

But seldom could the monarch to take a present brook, Yet at the hand of Rudeger this with warm thanks he took.

XLVIII

Then Gotelind, as was fitting, offer'd with fair accord A parting gift to Hagan, that, like the king his lord, He, too, not empty-handed, to Etzel court might ride, But he declin'd the present, and to the dame replied,

XLIX