The warriors in the city were lodg'd as might be best; The king with courteous service bade wait on every guest. He found the hurt fit chambers for tendance and repose, And prov'd his noble nature in the treatment of his foes. CXI Thus he said to Ludegast, "King Ludegast, welcome here. Much at your hands I've suffer'd, and more had cause to fear But all's at full repaid me, if smooth my fortune run. God requite my warriors! they well for me have done." CXII "Ay, you may gladly thank them," said Ludeger, "'tis their due; King ne'er had such high captives as they have won for you. Meanwhile, for courteous treatment, good store of gold we'll bring, And look for such reception as king may claim from king." CXIII "Take what you ask," said Gunther, "both set I gladly free. Still must I have assurance that here awhile with me My foes consent to tarry, and do not leave my land Till peace be made between us." To that King Ludeger gave his hand. CXIV So now the kings to rest them were to their chambers led. With tender care the wounded were softly laid a-bed, While for the whole and hearty were pour'd the mead and wine. Never were men so merry as these beside the Rhine. CXV Attendants to safe keeping the batter'd bucklers bore, The blood-bespatter'd saddles, whereof was plenteous store, They hid, lest sight so sorry should make the women weep. Many a good knight o'erwearied home was glad to creep. CXVI The guests from good King Gunther all noble treatment found. With friends as well as strangers his country swarm'd around. He bade for the sore wounded all needful aid be sought. Where was their haughty courage? how low it now was brought! CXVII Whoe'er had skill in leechcraft was offer'd coin untold, Silver without measure as well as glittering gold, To cure the fainting champions by wounds of war oppress'd. The bounteous monarch sent, too, rich gifts to every guest. CXVIII Those who, of feasting weary, homeward sought to wend, Were press'd to tarry longer, as friend will deal with friend. King Gunther call'd a council; he would his men requite, Who for his sake so nobly had won that gallant fight. CXIX Then spake the good Sir Gernot, "At present bid them go. When full six weeks are over, we'll let the warriors know, We here shall need their presence at feasting rich and high; Then will restor'd be many, who yet sore wounded lie." CXX And now would noble Siegfried to Gunther bid adieu; Soon as the friendly monarch the warrior's purpose knew He lovingly besought him a longer stay to make. He ne'er had so consented but for his sister's sake. CXXI