And the Hero of Bern is their leader, and their courage is high in the fray.
Ye shall nowise scorn the service they proffer to you this day.”
Then sprang to the earth from the saddle, even as was meet and right,
Dietrich, and there with their captain were many a squire and knight.
Forward to that guest-greeting they strode to the hero-band,
And in kindliest wise they welcomed the men of Burgundia-land.
So now when the noble Dietrich beheld them drawing nigh,
Gladness and sorrow within him strove for the mastery[[11]].
Well knew he the deadly secret: a grief was their journey to him;
But he weened that Rüdiger knew it, and had told of the peril grim.