1630.
There must they stay and rest them for space of one whole day
And eke the night that followd. How fairly served were they!
To Rüdeger’s dominions thence had they to ride on.
To him the tidings also were very quickly known.
1631.
When now the wayworn riders had taken needful rest,
And nearer were approaching the country of their quest,
They found upon the marches a knight who sleeping lay,
From whom Hagen of Tronjé a stout sword took away.
1632.
Ay, Eckewart the name was of that same warrior good;
Much grief had he thereover, and sorry was his mood
That he had lost the weapon through heroes passing there.
Ill-watch’d found they the borders of margrave Rüdeger.
1633.
“Woe’s me for this dishonour,” thereon said Eckewart,
“This journey of Burgundians I rue with all my heart.
Since ever I lost Siegfried, my luck hath all been gone.
Alack, the day, Lord Rüdeger, what ill to thee I’ve done!”
1634.
Now Hagen heard right plainly the noble warrior’s woe.
His sword again he gave him and six red armlets, too.
“Take these as pledge, O hero, that thou my friend wilt be;
Good knight thou art, though lonely thou sleptst upon the lea.”
1635.
“God for thy rings requite thee,” said Eckewart thereto;
“Thy journey into Hunsland yet sorely do I rue.
Thou took’st the life of Siegfried; here art thou held in hate.
To guard thyself be careful: in good faith rede I that.”
