But the host made answer: “I pray you, put all such vain words by!
My lords and dearly beloved, ye may not say me nay.
With meat and drink can I feast you till endeth the fourteenth day,
And all that with you came hither, both lords and vassal-train.
Little enow of my substance King Etzel from me hath ta’en.”
How sorely soe’er they excused them, yet there perforce they abode
Till dawned the fourth day’s morning. Such lavish gifts were bestowed
Of their host’s free-handed bounty, that the fame thereof spread wide,
How he gave to his guests rich raiment and gallant steeds to ride.
No longer now might they tarry: they must needs press on to the goal.