Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/357

XXVI.]

“Now God alone must keep us!” Hagen for answer gave.

“In truth no greater trouble these warriors now have

Than that, for kings and liegemen, on lodgings we may light,

Where we in this same country may lay our heads to-night.

“The horses have been ruin’d by roads so far about;”

Thus spake the warrior Hagen, “our stores are all run out;

None can be had for money; a worthy host we need,

Who ere this day is ended will kindly give us bread.”

Spake Eckewart in answer: “A host to you I’ll show:

And such a one ne’er bade you into his house to go,

In any land whatever, as ye may meet with here

If ye, good thanes are willing to visit Rüdeger.

“He dwells hard by the highway: of hosts he is the best

That ever had a rooftree. His heart is aye possest

Of kindness, as of flowers are meadows in sweet May;

If he can succour heroes, glad will he be the day.”

“Wilt thou then,” said King Gunther, “be now my messenger,

And see if for my pleasure, my kind friend Rüdeger

Shelter unto my kinsfolk and all our men will give?

So will Ido my utmost to serve him while I live.”

“I’ll gladly be the envoy,” then answer’d Eckewart.

With right good will so did he upon the errand start.

To Rüdeger declared he what he was bade to say,

Who no such joyful tidings had heard for many a day.