"And for the sake of Gotelind the same at court must wear,
That I may learn, when hither again you all repair,
What service you have done me in yon assembly bright."
The lady's wish thereafter full well perform'd the knight.
LIX
Then the noble margrave his parting guests bespake,
"That you may ride the safer, myself the charge will take
To guide you, lest from robbers you suffer by the road."
With that upon his sumpters in haste was laid their load.
LX
The host he soon was ready with full five hundred men
Well horsed and well apparell'd; them led he merrily then
To the proud feast of Etzel, and they him follow'd fain;
Not one of them came living to Bechlaren back again.
LXI
The host from home departed with many a loving kiss:
The like did also Giselher; his honor counsell'd this.
Each to his beating bosom his trembling lady press'd.
That parting planted sorrow in many a virgin breast.
LXII
All windows in Bechlaren now flew open wide.
Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors ride
I ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode.
Many a dame and many a damsel loud sobb'd as forth they rode.