lothes,
whereof there were enow, came on the sumpters. So strong they rode, that
little was stolen from them by the way.

When they were come into the town of Bechlaren, the host bade lodge his
comrades, and give them good quarters. Wealthy Gotelind rejoiced to see
her husband, the like did also his dear daughter, the young Margravine,
that was as merry as could be at his coming. Right gladly she saw the
heroes from Hungary. The noble maiden said, with laughing mouth, "Ye be
very welcome, my father and his men."

And the good knights were not slow to thank her.

Well Gotelind knew the mind of Rudeger. When she lay by him at night,
she asked him sweetly whither the king of the Huns had sent him.

He answered, "I will tell thee gladly, my wife Gotelind. I go to woo a
wife for my master, now that fair Helca is dead. I go to Kriemhild, on
the Rhine, that shall become a great queen here among the Huns."

"God grant it fall so, for much good have we heard of her. Haply she
will make up to us for our mistress of aforetime. We might well rejoice
to have her wear the crown here."

Said the Margrave, "To them that ride with me to the Rhine, thou shalt
give graciously of thy goods, dear wife. When heroes go richly attired,
they be of high courage."

She answered, "There is none, if he will take it, but shall have what
suiteth him well, or thou and thy men depart."

And the Margrave said, "Thou wilt please me well thereby."

Ha! what rich stuffs they took from their chambers! They hasted and
provided the noble warriors with vesture enow from neck to spur. What
pleased him the beast, Rudeger chose for himself.

On the seventh morning the host rode from Bechlaren with his knights.
They took a goodly store of weapons and raiment through Bavaria, and were
seldom fallen upon by robbers on the way.

Within twelve days they came to the Rhine. The news was not slow to
spread. They told the king and his men that stranger guests had
arrived. Then the king began to ask that, if any knew them, he might
declare it. They perceived that their sumpters were heavy laden, and saw
that they were rich; and they gave them lodging in the wide city
straightway.

When the stranger were arrived, the folk spied at them curiously. They
wondered whence they had journeyed to the Rhine.

The king asked Hagen who the knights were, and the hero of Trony
answered, "I have not seen them aright. When we meet them, I will tell
thee w