Straight Eckewart made answer, "I'll show you such a host, That scarcely could a better be found in any coast, Than he, who here, assure ye, your coming fain will greet, If you be pleas'd, bold strangers, Sir Rudeger to meet. LIV "He dwells fast by the highway, and never yet on earth Was there a host more liberal; his heart gives virtues birth, As meadows grass and flowerets in the sweet month of May, To do good knights good service he waxes blithe and gay." LV Straight answer'd then King Gunther, "Will you a message take, So ask my dear friend Rudeger, if he will for my sake Me and my kinsmen shelter and all this numerous clan? To serve him ever after I'll do the best I can." LVI "Fain will I do your bidding," Eckewart replied. With good will off he started; well his spurs he plied, And what he brought to Rudeger he told without delay. To him no such glad tidings had come for many a day. LVII A knight toward Bechlaren spurr'd fast as fast might be; Rudeger himself discerned him; "On yonder road," said he, "'Tis Kriemhild's liegeman Eckewart, that rides so hot a pace." He thought his foes had harm'd him, and held him still in chase. LVIII To the gate he hurried; the knight there saw he stand, Who straight his sword ungirded, and laid it from his hand. The news that he brought with him he car'd not to withhold From the host and those about him, but straight his story told. LIX He thus bespake the margrave, "A message you I bring From my good master Gunther, the stout Burgundian king, And Giselher his brother and noble Gernot too; Every one of the warriors sends you his service true. LX "The same does also Hagan and Folker bold, as well, With firm entire devotion, and I beside must tell What from the king's marshal I have too in command, That need have the good yeomen of lodging at your hand." LXI Merrily laugh'd Sir Rudeger as thus he made reply, "I joy to hear these tidings, that kings so great and high Deign to request my service; my zeal they soon shall see; If they my dwelling enter, right happy shall I be." LXII "Dankwart the marshal also by me the number sends Of those, who seek your homestead with your Burgundian friends; Sixty nimble champions, good knights a thousand too, And yeomen full nine thousand." Right glad the margrave grew. LXIII "In truth I shall be happy," said noble Rudeger, "To see guests of such worship in my poor dwelling here, To whom I have but rarely yet render'd service due. Now ride ye forth to meet them, good friends and kinsmen true." LXIV With that in haste they mounted: forth flew squire and knight, Whate'er their lord commanded, that pass'd with all for right; The better thus their duties they did when need requir'd. Yet nothing knew Dame Gotelind, who sat in power retir'd.