XXXVII.
How the Margrave Rüdiger was slain
That morn had the homeless heroes like battling giants warred.
And now came into the courtyard of the palace Gotlind’s lord;
And he saw what fearful havoc had been wrought unto Hun and to guest.
Wept Rüdiger the true-hearted with sorrow-burdened breast.
“Alas and alas,” cried the hero, “that I live this day to see!
And none can now put an ending to this calamity!
Fain would I make reconcilement, but now no word of peace
Will the King hear, seeing that ever doth the mischief done him increase.”
Then Rüdiger the noble sent unto Dietrich of Bern,