Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/359

XXVII.]

“Now be these guests right welcome,” made answer Rüdeger,

“And all these noble warriors, unto my dwelling here;

To them, as yet, at no time have I a service done.

So ride to meet them, kinsmen and lieges everyone.”

Then quickly to their horses hurried each squire and knight.

Whate’er their master bade them to all of them seem’d right;

And they in service hasted the readier for that.

Naught wist yet dame Gotlinda, who in her chamber sat.

Away then went the margrave to where the ladies were,

His wife and eke their daughter;— to them the tidings fair

That had but now been brought him he told right speedily:

That soon their lady’s brothers beneath their roof would be.

“My own and well-lov’d sweetheart,” so Rüdeger then spake,

“These noble kings and mighty we must right welcome make,

Since they and all their followers are on their way to court.

And Hagen, Gunther’s liegeman, thou must greet in good sort.

“With him there comes another, by name one Dankwart hight;

And yet a third call’d Volker, a well-bred, courtly knight.

These six must thou, Gotlinda, and thou, my daughter, kiss,

And let not any warrior a fitting welcome miss.