1301.
She would ride forth to meet her, with escort of his men,
Unto the river Ense; which being accomplish’d, then
On every side beheld one the very roads alive
With folk, on foot or horseback,— to see the guests arrive
1302.
Now was the queen by this time to Everdingen come.
No few of the Bavarians did then as outlaws roam,
To rob upon the highways; and they, as was their wont,
Might to the guests have offer’d some dangerous affront.
1303.
But well the noble margrave of this had taken thought;
For he a thousand warriors and even more had brought.
There also came Gotlinda, the wife of Rüdeger,
And many a knight of valour right nobly rode with her.
1304.
When they the Traun had traversed, upon the level green
By Ens, folk making ready cabins and tents were seen;
For there it was determined the night-halt should be made.
All charges for the strangers by Rüdeger were paid.
1305.
The fair Gotlinda stay’d not upon the camping ground,
But forward went to meet them. Along the roadway wound
With ever tinkling trappings a handsome cavalcade.
Right kindly was her greeting,— which Rüdeger made glad.
1306.
And those whom either party encounter’d on the way
Rode in praiseworthy fashion; right many thanes were they.
They practised knightly pastimes, by many a maiden seen;
Nor was the warriors’ service unpleasing to the queen.
