XXXVIII
Then too was by young Giselher his lady's father seen
With helm laced as for battle; "What," thought he, "can he mean?
But naught can mean the margrave but what is just and right."
At the thought full joyous wax'd the youthful knight.
XXXIX
"Well's me with friends so faithful," Sir Giselher 'gan say,
"These, whom by happy fortune we gain'd upon the way.
My late-espoused lady will stand us in good stead.
In sooth it much contents me, that e'er I came to wed."
XL
"I know not what you trust in;" thus the stern minstrel spake;
"Where saw you warriors ever for reconcilement's sake
With helmets laced advancing, and naked swords in hand?
On us will earn Sir Rudeger his castles and his land."
XLI
Scarcely the valiant minstrel his words had utter'd all,
When the noble Rudeger was close before the hall.
His shield, well prov'd in battle, before his feet he laid,
But neither proferr'd service, nor friendly greeting made.
XLII