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 see 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 good wine, and never were
men merrier. They are the battered shields away into safe keeping; and
the bloody saddles, of which there were enow, they hid, that the women
might not grieve thereat. Many a weary knight was there.

The king entreated his guests right royally, and the land was full of
friends and of strangers. He bade see to the sore wounded ones whose
pride was brought low. To them that were skilled in leech craft they
offered a rich fee of unweighed sliver and yellow gold, that they might
heal the heroes of their wounds gotten in battle; the king sent also
precious gifts to his guests. They that thought to ride home were bidden