Ere Rüdiger the noble forth of Vienna's gate Rode to Bechlaren, ready for him did all things wait On the sumpter-beasts full laden, the raiment and warrior-gear. So strongly guarded they journeyed, no spoiler dared draw near. So when they were come to Bechlaren, and had passed through the gates thereof, For all his warrior-fellows that knightly host of his love Bade lodging fair be provided, and all was done as he willed. And the Lady Gotlind hailed him with eyes with gladness filled, Even she and her dear-loved daughter, the fair young Margravine. No sweeter sight than the coming of her father had she seen. When came out of Hunland the heroes, she saw them joyful-eyed, And with smiling lips of greeting the high-born maiden cried: "Welcome be now my father, and ye his vassal-train!" Thereat to their lord's young daughter many a gallant thane In knightly courtesy bent him, and rendered thank unto her. Well knew the Lady Gotlind the mind of Rüdiger; For when in the hush of the night-tide by Rüdiger's side she lay, With loving speech she questioned, and the Margravine bade him say {P. 160} Whither away from Hunland by his lord the King he was sent. "Gotlind my wife," he answered, "I will tell to thee all his intent: This charge my lord hath given, that I woo him another bride, Inasmuch as Helka the lovely, the wife of his youth, hath died. Therefore to win for him Kriemhild now to the Rhine ride I; And she, if she will, mid the Hunfolk shall be throned in empery." "God grant it may fall," said Gotlind, "according to this thy word! A tale of such glory and honour of that lady have we heard, She might comfort our hearts for Helka whom we lost in the days bygone: We might well mid the Hunfolk gladly behold her set on the throne." Answered the Lord of the Marches: "Heart's dearest, lady mine, These friends that with me be riding from this land on to the Rhine-- I would have thee with hand all-bounteous on these of thy wealth bestow; For when heroes be rich-appointed, with hearts uplifted they go." "No man of them all," she answered, "so he at my request Take all that I freely offer, but shall have what suiteth him best, Ere thou from Bechlaren departest with all thy vassal-train." Answered the Lord of the Marches, "Of thy bounty am I full fain." O me, what costly loom-work from her treasures forth she bare! Thereof had the noble warriors raiment enough and to spare. With diligence did she array them wholly, from neck to spur. What vesture soever pleased him was chosen of Rüdiger.