XXVII.
How they came to Bechlaren

Thence hasted him the Margrave to where in the Ladies’ Bower

Were sitting his wife and his daughter: unto these in the selfsame hour

Told he the joyful tidings that but now had gladdened his ear,

That the brethren of her Lady and Queen to their halls drew near.

“Now therefore, O my belovèd,” spake Rüdiger earnestly,

“Graciously shalt thou receive them, these noble princes three,

When they and their train come hither as they fare unto Etzel’s court.

And Hagen, Gunther’s liegeman, shalt thou greet in friendly sort.

With these cometh also another, and Dankwart he hath to name,