So when to the castle the Margrave beheld that company ride, How blithely hailing their presence the eager Rüdiger cried, "Welcome to me, ye princes, and all in your vassal-train! Here in mine own fair country I behold you exceeding fain." Then bowed them to him the heroes in friendship and faith unfeigned. Well proved he with what gladness by their host were they entertained. Unto Hagen special greeting, as a friend known long agone, He gave, and withal unto Volker, Burgundia's hero-son. Dankwart withal he greeted; then spake that valiant thane: "If thou care for us here in thy castle, who then will see to our train, Unto all the array which hath followed from Worms beyond the Rhine?" Straightway answered the Margrave: "Put by this fear of thine; For all thy vassal-companions, and what possessions soe'er Ye have brought into this my country--steeds, silver, and raiment fair-- I will cause them to have such warding that nought therefrom shall be lost. By a single spur no poorer shall be any man of your host. Pitch the pavilions therefore, ye squires, on yonder lea. Whatsoe'er from your store shall be missing shall be all made good by me. Cast off the bit and bridle, and let the steeds range wide." Never had men such welcome from any host beside! Glad were the guests when they heard it. So then when his bidding was done, And the lords rode thence to the castle, the squires all one after one Stretched them at ease on the greensward. Sweet rest at last had they: Nought like it before nor after found they in all the way. {P. 227}