Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/121

IV.]

’Twas ordered then to billet the warriors in the town.

The king bade that his guests be well-treated, as his own.

The wounded must be cared for and granted quiet rest;—

E’en for his foes his kindness the king did manifest.

To Ludegast of Denmark he said: “Be welcome here!

Though, through your fault, much damage we have incurred, I fear;

But that will be repaid me, if I have luck!” quoth he,

“May God reward my brave friends, who fought so well for me.”

“And you do well to thank them,” King Ludeger outspake,

“For never king before did such high-born prisoners take!

The honourable usage shall well rewarded be,

Which unto us, your foemen, you’ve granted graciously.”

“I’ll let ye both,” cried Gunther, “here, on the spot, go free,

{fall the other pris’ners swear to remain with me.

For these I will have pledges, that they leave not my land

Without my given warrant.” Thereon each gave his hand.

All were to rest and comfort within the hostels brought;

They put to bed the wounded, with kindly care and thought;

While to the hale and hearty good wine and mead they gave.

A gayer time and gladder the folk could never have.

The battered shields were taken and put away in store,

Of blood-besprinkled saddles were there enough and more;—

The men were told to hide them, in case the women wept.

Still many a way-worn horseman into the city crept.