1689.
To this made Dankwart answer: “That surely will not do.
Whence will you get the victuals, the bread and wine thereto,
Which for so many warriors you needs must have this day?”
The host, on hearing, answer’d: “It boots no more to say;
1690.
“My well-lov’d lords, so please ye, I will not be denied;
Ay, for a fortnight will I the meat and drink provide
For you and all the people that hither you have brought;
For never hath King Etzel from me yet taken aught.”
1691.
Howe’er they sought to help it, needs must they there abide
Until the fourth day’s dawning: then did a thing betide,
Done of the master’s bounty, and noiséd far and near:
On every guest bestow’d he a horse and wearing gear.
1692.
This could not last much longer: thence must they forward fare.
But Rüdeger the valiant could naught withhold or spare
To testify his bounty: what any fain would take,
That was denied to no one; all happy would he make.
1693.
Then forth before the gateway their noble equerries
Led out the saddled horses. In readiness for these
The throng of foreign warriors came out; their shields in hand
They bore, for they were eager to ride to Etzel’s land.
1694.
Thereon the master offer’d his gifts to one and all,
Ere yet the royal strangers were come without the hall.
With bounty and great honour he knew the way to live;
And even his fair daughter to Giselher would give.
