By the wind might not be ruffled: all dainty and fresh they were.
In the labours of women busied those courtly dames leave we,
The while went swiftly riding far over the river-lea
Rüdiger’s friends and kinsmen, till they spied that princely band;
Then heartiest welcome they gave them into the Margrave’s land.
So when to the castle the Margrave beheld that company ride,
How blithely hailing their presence the eager Rüdiger cried,
“Welcome to me, ye princes, and all in your vassal-train!
Here in mine own fair country I behold you exceeding fain.”
Then bowed them to him the heroes in friendship and faith unfeigned.