Now leave we the women busied on this wise. There was mickle spurring
across the plain among Rudeger's friends till they found the princes.
These were well received in the Margrave's land. Rudeger cried joyfully
as he went toward them, "Ye be welcome, ye knights, and all your men.
Right glad am I to see you in my home."

The warriors thanked him with true heart void of hate. He showed them
plainly they were welcome. To Hagen he gave special greeting, for he
knew him from aforetime. He did the same to Folker of Burgundy. He
welcomed Dankwart also. Then said that knight, "If thou take us in, who
will see to our followers from Worms beyond the Rhine?"

The Margrave answered, "Have no fear on that head. All that ye have with
you, horses, silver and apparel, shall be so well guarded that ye shall
not lose a single spur thereof. Pitch your tents in the fields, ye
squires. Whatso ye lose here I will make good to you. Off with the
bridles, and let the horses go loose." Never before had host done this
for them. Glad enow were the guests. When they had obeyed him, and the
knights had ridden away, the squires laid them down on the grass over
all, and took their ease. It was their softest rest on the whole journey.

The noble Margravine came out before the castle with her beautiful
daughter. Lovely women and fair maids not a few stood beside her,
adorned with bracelets and fine apparel. Precious stones sparked bright
on their rich vesture. Goodly was their raiment.

The guests rode up and sprang to the ground. Ha! courteous men all were
they of Burgundy! Six and thirty maidens and many women beside, fair to
heart's desire, came forth to meet them, with bold men in plenty. The
noble women welcomed them sweetly. The Margravine kissed the kings all
three. Her daughter did the like. Hagen stood by. Him also her father
bade her kiss. She looked up at him, and he was so grim that she had
gladly let it be. Yet must she do as the host bade her. Her colour came
and went, white and red. She kissed Dankwart, too, and, after him, the
fiddler. By reason of his body's strength he won this greeting. Then
the young Margravine took Giselher, the youth, of Burgundy by the hand.
Her mother did the same to Gunther, and they went in merrily with the
heroes.

The host led Gernot into a wide hall. There knights and ladies sat down,
and good wine was poured out for the guests. Never were warriors better
entreated.