Fair harbourage unto the good knights they gave that city through; And the King commanded to honour his guests with tendance due; And they bound up the hurts of the wounded, and with diligent heed did they tend: Yea, that knightly King was gracious unto foe no less than friend. {P. 34} Then unto Lüdegast spake he: "Welcome to me be thou! Through thy misdeed to my kingdom hath mischief been wrought enow, For the which thou must make atonement, if this may be compassed of me. God look on my friends and reward them: right well have they holpen me!" "Well mayst thou thank thine helpers," spake Lüdiger answering: "In sooth such high-born captives had never earthly king! And now for knightly warding we tender thee goodly fee, And pray thee for gracious dealing with them that were foes unto thee." "Unto both of you freedom from fetters," he answered, "will I accord, So all which have fought against me abide here still in ward: And for this shall ye give me pledges that none shall leave my land, Except as I give them licence." To the covenant gave they the hand. Then they led to their rest the weary, where all things ready were made. Full soon upon easeful couches were the wounded warriors laid. And they poured for the knights unwounded bright wine and mead good store: Never in mirth and joyance were hearts uplifted more. The bucklers battle-riven took they, and they laid them by, And saddles blood-empurpled might one see plenteously; But these caused they to be hidden, lest women should weep at the sight:-- Ah, the sun went down that even upon many a wayworn knight! "Give kindliest entertainment to my guests," did the King command:-- With the native-born and with strangers now thronged was all the land:-- He took thought for the heedful tendance of each sore-wounded foe: Ha, how was their haughty defiance in humility brought low! Whosoever were cunning in leechcraft, rich guerdon their skill repaid, Bright gold unstinted and silver outlavished, yea, unweighed, So they would but heal those heroes who had gotten hurt in the war. And with gifts the King still loaded his guests that came from far. And whoso of these was minded homeward to turn again, As one should entreat a dear friend, so prayed they him to remain. Nor forgat the King his liegemen, but devised for them rich reward, Even all whose labour of glory had accomplished the will of their lord. {P. 35}