XVIII

Rudeger to Bechlaren bade a courier speed amain;
The margravine his message fill'd both with joy and pain.
He told her he was going for the king to woo;
Fair Helca she remembered with tender love and true.

XIX

Glad was she from her husband such tidings to receive,
And yet in part she sorrow'd; she could not choose but grieve,
In doubt to find a mistress so gracious as before,
And when she thought on Helca, her very heart was sore.

[XX]

Seven days Sir Rudeger in Hungary abode;
Well pleas'd was stout King Etzel when forth his envoy rode.
In the city of Vienna was ordered all their weed.
The margrave would not tarry, but ever on would speed.

XXI

Right gladly at Bechlaren he and his men were seen;
Him waited there Dame Gotelind and the young margravine
Rudeger's gentle daughter, and many a noble dame
Was there with fitting welcome as home the warriors came.

XXII