They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then
many a fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the
street, where many high-mettled warriors were seen riding into
the Burgundian land. There came the champions, the wounded and
the sound. Without shame they heard the greetings of their
friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his guests, for his
great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he his vassals
and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty king
in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march;
but sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with
heroes. Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed
warriors brought to Gunther's land. The men alighted from their
steeds before the palace of the king. Loud was heard the joyous
sound of the merry welcome; then order was given to lodge the
warriors in the town. The king bade minister well unto his
guests, attend the wounded and give them good easement. His
courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to
Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because
of you; for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God
reward my kinsmen, for they have given me joy."

"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages
hath king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great
store of wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."

"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have
surety that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave