Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/358

280

Folk saw to Bechelaren a knight ride hastily.

Him Rüdeger himself saw: “On yonder road,” said he,

“Comes Eckewart fast riding, of Kriemhild’s lieges one.”

He fancied that the foemen some harm to him had done.

Then went he to the gateway where he the envoy found

Who laid aside his weapon from off his belt unbound.

The message that he carried he sought not to withhold

From host and friends about him; but straight his story told.

Unto the margrave spake he: “I come at the command

Of Gunther, king and ruler of the Burgundian land,

And Giselher his brother, and likewise Gernot, too;

Each of these warriors sendeth his greeting unto you.

“The like doth also Hagen, as Volker doth as well,

With true and ready service. And more I have to tell:

That—as the royal marshal sends word to you by me—

The good men much are needing your hospitality.”

With smiling lips unto him made Rüdeger reply:

“Glad am I at your tidings, that kings so great and high

Deign to bespeak my service: they shall not be denied.

If they will cross my threshold ’twill give me joy and pride.”

“Dankwart the marshal likewise begs you by me to tell

If you can furnish house-room for all the rest as well:

For sixty valiant warriors, a thousand knights right good,

And men-at-arms nine thousand?” Then joyful was his mood.