When coming forth the margrave / saw their forms appear,
How spake with heart full joyous / the valiant Ruediger!
"Welcome be ye, Sires, / and all your gallant band.
Right glad am I to see you / hither come unto my land."
Then bent the knights before him / each full courteously.
That he good-will did bear them / might they full quickly see.
Hagen had special greeting, / who long to him was known;
To Volker eke of Burgundy / was like highest honor shown.
Thus Dankwart eke he greeted, / when spake the doughty thane:
"While we thus well are harbored, / who then for all the train
Of those that follow with us / shall meet provision make?"
"Yourselves this night right easy / shall rest," the noble margrave spake.
"And all that follow with you, / with equipment whatsoe'er
Ye bring into my country / of steed or warlike gear,
So sure shall it be guarded / that of all the sum,
E'en to one spur's value, / to you shall never damage come.
"Now stretch aloft, my squires, / the tents upon the plain.
What here ye have of losses / will I make good again.
Unbridle now the horses / and let them wander free."
Upon their way they seldom / did meet like hospitality.