Then did they for the warriors / lodging meet prepare,
And for his guests the monarch / bade full well have care.
He bade them take the wounded / and tend them carefully,
And toward his enemies also / his gentle bearing might ye see.
To Luedeger then spake he: / "Right welcome art thou here.
Through fault of thine now have I / lost many friends full dear,
For which, have I good fortune, / thou shall right well atone.
God rich reward my liegemen, / such faithfulness to me they've shown."
"Well may'st thou thank them, truly," / spake then Luedeger;
"Hostages so noble / won a monarch ne'er.
For chivalrous protection / rich goods we offer thee,
That thou now right gracious / to us thy enemies shalt be."
"I'll grant you both your freedom," / spake the king again;
"But that my enemies surely / here by me remain,
Therefor I'll have good pledges / they ne'er shall quit my land,
Save at my royal pleasure." / Thereto gave Luedeger the hand.
Sweet rest then found the weary / their tired limbs to aid,
And gently soon on couches / the wounded knights were laid;
Mead and wine right ruddy / they poured out plenteously:
Than they and all their followers / merrier men there none might be.