tle."

I cannot tell you where they rested. Soon all the country folk heard
that noble Uta's sons were on their way to the hightide. They were well
received at Passau. Bishop Pilgerin, the king's uncle, was well pleased
that his nephews drew night with so many knights. He was not slow to
give them welcome. Friends rode out to meet them on the way. When there
was not room enough for all in Passau, they crossed the river to a field,
and there the squires put up tents and rich pavilions.

They had to tarry there a whole day and a night. Well they were
entreated! Then they rode into Rudeger's country. When Rudeger heard
the news, he was glad.

When the way-weary ones had rested, and drew nigher to Rudeger's country,
they found a man asleep on the marches, from whom Hagen of Trony took a
stark weapon. This same good knight hight Eckewart. Right heavy was he
of his cheer that he had lost his sword through the passing of the
heroes. They found Rudeger's marches ill guarded.

"Woe is me for this shame!" cried Eckewart. "Sore I rue the Burgundians'
journey. The day I lost Siegfried my joy was ended. Alack! Sir
Rudeger, an ill turn I have done thee."

Hagen overheard all the warrior's grief, and gave him his sword again,
with six red armlets. "Take them, Sir Knight, for love of me, and be my
friend. Thou art a brave man to lie here all alone."

"God quit thee for thine armlets," answered Eckewart. "Yet still I must
rue thy journey to the Huns. Thou slewest Siegfried, and art hated
here. Look well to thyself; from true heart I warn thee."

"God must guard us," said Hagen. "No other care have these knights, the
princes and their liegemen, than to find quarters, where they may tarry
the night. Our horses are weary from the long way, and our provender is
done. We can find none to buy. We have need of a host that, of his
charity, would give us bread."

Eckewart answered, "I will show you such an host. Better welcome to his
house will none give you in any land than Rudeger, if ye will go to see
him. He dwelleth fast by the road, and is the best host that ever had a
house. His heart blossometh with virtues, as smiling May decketh the
grass with flowers. He is ever glad to serve knights."

Then said King Gunther, "Wilt thou be my envoy, and ask my dear friend
Rudeger if he will keep us--me with my kinsmen and our men--till the
day? I will require him as best I can."

"I will gladly be thy envoy,"