"Now God," replied King Etzel, "reward thee, Rudeger!" He and his queen together resum'd their lively cheer. "From us shall all thy people receive whate'er they need; Thou too, I trust, this morning thyself wilt fairly speed." XXXIII So body and soul to hazard put the blameless man. Meanwhile the wife of Etzel sorely to weep began. Said he, "My word I gave you, I'll keep it well to-day. Woe for my friends, whom Rudeger in his own despite must slay." XXXIV With that, straight from King Etzel he went with many a sigh. Soon his band of heroes found he muster'd nigh. Said he, "Up now, my warriors! don all your armor bright. I 'gainst the bold Burgundians must to my sorrow fight." XXXV Quick his valiant followers bade their arms be brought. In a trice th' attendants shields and helms up caught, And all their glittering harness bore to their masters bold. Soon to the haughty strangers the sorry news were told. XXXVI Arm'd were to see with Rudeger five hundred men of might; Twelve besides went with him, each a prowest knight, Who hoped to win them worship on that fierce Rhenish band. Little thought the warriors, how close was Death at hand. XXXVII So to war the margrave under helmet strode; Sharpest swords his meiny brandish'd as they rode; Each in hand, bright-flashing, held his shield before. That saw the dauntless minstrel and seeing sorrow'd sore. XXXVIII Then too was by young Giselher his lady's father seen With helm laced as for battle; "What," thought he, "can he mean? But naught can mean the margrave but what is just and right." At the thought full joyous wax'd the youthful knight. XXXIX "Well's me with friends so faithful," Sir Giselher 'gan say, "These, whom by happy fortune we gain'd upon the way. My late-espoused lady will stand us in good stead. In sooth it much contents me, that e'er I came to wed." XL "I know not what you trust in;" thus the stern minstrel spake; "Where saw you warriors ever for reconcilement's sake With helmets laced advancing, and naked swords in hand? On us will earn Sir Rudeger his castles and his land." XLI Scarcely the valiant minstrel his words had utter'd all, When the noble Rudeger was close before the hall. His shield, well prov'd in battle, before his feet he laid, But neither proferr'd service, nor friendly greeting made. XLII To those within he shouted, "Look not for succor hence; Ye valiant Nibelungers, now stand on your defence. I'd fain have been your comrade; your foe I now must be. We once were friends together; now from that bond I'm free." XLIII The hard-beset Burgundians to hear his words were woe. Was not a man among them, but sorrow'd, high and low, That thus a friend and comrade would 'gainst them mingle blows, When they so much already had suffer'd from their foes. XLIV