Thence down the stream advancing, they rode Bavaria through; Then all around spread tidings, that with hot haste a crew Of strangers on were coming. Where now an abbey stands, And where to reach the Danube the swift Inn scours the lands, VII There sat in Passau city a bishop of good report. Straight empty was each chamber, and eke the prince's court. All were forthwith pricking to Bavarian ground, Where the good Bishop Pilgrin the Lady Kriemhild found. VIII The good knights of the country were not ill pleas'd, I ween, To see so many a beauty about the stately queen. With loving looks they courted the maids of lofty race. Then led was every stranger to seemly resting-place. IX They there at Pledelingen were lodg'd as best might be. On all sides all came flocking the noble guests to see. Whome'er they met, were ready alike to give or do Whate'er was to their honor, both there and elsewhere too. X With his niece, the bishop straight to Passau sped. Forthwith the merry tidings among the burghers spread, Kriemhild was thither coming, their prince's sister's child; The merchants well receiv'd her, the queenly lady mild. XI Much desir'd the bishop that they awhile would stay; Then said the good Sir Eckewart, "No, we must hence away (Howe'er well pleas'd to linger), down to Rudeger's land. His knights await our coming, and think us close at hand." XII Already had fair Gotelind the joyful tidings heard; She and her noble daughter quick themselves bestirr'd. She had been advis'd by Rudeger, her lord and master dear, It seem'd him right and fitting, that, the sad queen to cheer, XIII She should ride and meet her with his vassals every one, Up to the Ems advancing. This was no sooner done, Than, afoot or in saddle, all together ran; The roads throughout the country were alive with horse and man. XIV To Efferding fair Kriemhild had now her journey made; Many a Bavarian pricker his hands had gladly laid On the costly baggage as is their custom still, And thus the noble travellers would have suffer'd loss and ill, XV But those light-finger'd rovers the margrave could not brook. A thousand knights and better to guard his march he took; Thither, too, his consort fair Gotelind had come, And in bright array around her his vassals all and some. XVI Thence o'er the Traun they hasten'd, and forthwith all around With tents and huts bespotted the plain of Ems they found. There the noble travellers that night their lodging made. The bands of knights their charges by Rudeger were paid. XVII No longer in her quarters fair Gotelind abode; Many a wanton palfrey pranc'd in the crowded road, Every bridle jingling, and glittering every selle. Right hearty was the welcome; it pleas'd the margrave well. XVIII