[1152]

"Stores from out my treasure / I'll bid to thee to give,
That thou with thy companions / merry long shalt live,
Of steeds and rich apparel / what thou wilt have to share.
Thereof unto thy journey / I'll bid in measure full prepare."

[1153]

Thereto did give him answer / the margrave Ruediger:
"Did I thy treasure covet / unworthy thing it were.
Gladly will I thy messenger / be unto the Rhine,
From my own store provided: / all have I e'en from hand of thine."

[1154]

Then spake the mighty monarch: / "When now wilt thou fare
To seek the lovely lady? / God of thee have care
To keep thee on thy journey / and eke a wife to me.
Therein good fortune help me, / that she to us shall gracious be."

[1155]

Then again spake Ruediger: / "Ere that this land we quit,
Must we first prepare us / arms and apparel fit,
That we may thus in honor / in royal presence stand.
To the Rhine I'll lead five hundred / warriors, a doughty band.

[1156]

"Wherever they in Burgundy / me and my men may see,
Shall they all and single / then confess of thee
That ne'er from any monarch / so many warriors went
As now to bear thy message / thou far unto the Rhine hast sent.