it was already noon, they rested there no longer, but rode
till they came to broad pavilions, where they were well served. They
stayed there the night through, till the early morning.

The folk of Bechlaren had not failed to make them ready for the many
worshipful guests, and Rudeger had so ordered it that these wanted for
little. The windows in the walls were thrown wide, the Castle of
Bechlaren stood open, and the welcome guests rode in. The noble host
bade provide good lodging for them all. Rudeger's daughter advanced with
her attendants and received the queen right sweetly, and her mother, the
Margravine, was there also. Many a maiden was lovingly greeted. They
took hands and went together into a wide and goodly hall, below which
flowed the Danube. There they sat merrily, and the breeze blew upon them.

What they did further, I cannot say. Kriemhild's knights were heard
mourning that they must away so soon; it irked them sore. Ha! what
good warriors rode with them from Bechlaren.

Rudeger did them right loving service. They queen gave Gotelind's
daughter twelve red armlets, and, thereto, goodly raiment of the best
that she had brought with her into Etzel's land. Albeit she was bereft
of the Nibelung gold, she won to her all that saw her with the small
store that remained to her. Goodly were the gifts she bestowed on the
followers of the host. In return, the lady Gotelind did the guests from
the Rhine such honour that it had been hard to find any among them
without jewels or rich apparel from her hand.

When they had eaten, and it was time to be gone, the hostess commended
her true service to Etzel's wife, who, from her side, embraced the fair
Margravine lovingly. And the maiden said to the queen, "Well I know, if
it seem good to thee, that my father would gladly send me into the land
of the Huns to be with thee." Kriemhild found her true indeed!

The horses stood ready before Bechlaren; the noble queen had taken leave
of Rudeger's wife and daughter, and, with many a sweet farewell, the
maidens parted; seldom did they meet again.

The folk of Medilick brought out in their hands rich golden vessels, and
offered them, full of wine, to the guests on the road, and bade them
welcome. The host of the place hight Astolt, that showed them the way
into Austria, by Mautern down below on the Danube; and here, again, the
great queen was paid much worship.

At that point the bishop parted lovingly from his