He knew how scathe did wait him / and boundless sorrowing,
And gladly had refuséd / to obey the king
And eke his royal mistress. / Full sorely did he fear,
That if one stranger slew he, / the scorn of all the world he'd bear.
Then spake unto the monarch / the full gallant thane:
"O royal sire, whatever / thou gavest, take again,
The land and every castle, / that naught remain to me.
On foot a lonely pilgrim / I'll wander to a far country."
Thereto replied King Etzel: / "Who then gave help to me?
My land and lordly castles / give I all to thee,
If on my foes, O Ruediger, / revenge thou wilt provide.
A mighty monarch seated, / shalt thou be by Etzel's side."
Again gave answer Ruediger: / "How may that ever be?
At my own home shared they / my hospitality.
Meat and drink I offered / to them in friendly way,
And gave them of my bounty: / how shall I seek them here to slay ?
"The folk belike will fancy / that I a coward be.
Ne'er hath faithful service / been refused by me
Unto the noble princes / and their warriors too;
That e'er I gained their friendship, / now 'tis cause for me to rue.