Never hath shone the daylight on better shield than this.

So richly with precious gemstones bordered was its device,

That, if any were fain to buy it, a thousand marks were its price.

His squires bare forth at his bidding that shield for the mighty thane.

Then came his brother Dankwart before the chatelaine,

And on him rich-broidered vesture did the Margrave’s daughter bestow

Which thereafter he wore glad-hearted in the halls of the Hunland foe.

But of all gifts Rüdiger gave them, how great soever of worth,

Unto none had the haughty princes stretched a finger forth,

Were it not for his courteous kindness, and the love it begat that day—