th) of the wounded, fallen, the most part, by Siegfried's
might. They that arrogantly withstood the knights of the Rhine are now
Gunther's captives. Our men lead them hither rejoicing."

When she had heard the news aright, her fair cheek reddened, and her
lovely face was the colour of the rose, because it had gone well with
young and noble Siegfried, and he was come with glory out of peril. She
joyed for her kinsmen also, as in duty bound. And she said, "Thou hast
spoken well; for guerdon thereof thou shalt have costly raiment, and ten
golden marks, that I will bid them bear to thee." It is good to tell
glad tidings to rich women.

He got his envoy's fee of gold and vesture, and the fair maids hasted to
the window and looked down the road, where the high-hearted warriors rode
home. They drew nigh, whole and wounded, and heard the greeting of
friends unashamed. Light of heart Gunther rode to meet them, for now his
grim care was turned to joy. He received his own men well and also the
strangers. Not to have thanked them that were come to his court, for
that they had done valiantly in battle, would have been unseemly in so
great a king. And he asked tidings of his friends, and who was slain.
None were lost to him save sixty only, and these were mourned as many a
hero hath been mourned since.

They that were unhurt brought many battered shields and shivered helmets
back to Gunther's land. The warriors sprang down from their horses
before the place, and there was a joyful noise of welcome.

Order was given to lodge the knights in the town, and the king commanded
that his guests should be courteously entreated, and that the wounded
should be seen to and given good chambers. So he approved himself
generous to his foes. He said to Ludger, "Thou are welcome! Much scathe
have I suffered through thee; yet, if I prosper henceforth, I will
consider myself well paid. God reward my warriors, for well have they
served me!"

"Thou has cause to thank them," answered Ludger, "for nobler captives
were never won for a king; and gold without stint shall be thine, if thou
do well by me and my friends."

Said Gunther, "Ye shall both go free. Yet I must have a pledge that my
foemen quit not my land till peace be sealed betwixt us." And they
promised it, and gave their hand thereon. They led them to their
quarters to rest, and saw the wounded men laid softly in their beds.
They set before them that were whole meat and goo