“Going back to Bern! Dietrich is going to Bern! We are to have a
campaign in Lombardy,” was the cry which rang through the land of the
Huns.
Yes; Dietrich was really going back, accompanied by many brave comrades
new and old, and at the head of a large army. Even Etzel’s two sons,
mere boys as they were, insisted on going too. The line of march lay
through the great mountains and fair plains of Lombardy. Amelolt
(Amelung) and Hildebrand, at the head of the Wölfings, stormed Garden,
and took the fortress. But the old master had not time to stay and
embrace the Lady Ute and his son Hadubrand, for they were not in the
castle at the time, and he had to rejoin the army without delay. He
came up with the rest at Padauwe (Padua), which Dietrich failed to
subdue. The army, leaving Padauwe behind it, moved on to Bern, from
which Dietrich heard that Ermenrich’s men had been expelled by the
citizens.
At length the hero was at home in his beloved Bern, where he was
received with great rejoicings. He had not long to rest; for a few days
after his arrival, Alpher came, bringing a message from Duke Friedrich
of Raben (Ravenna), that the Emperor Ermenrich was besieging his town,
therefore he begged the hero’s assistance. The Bernese forces made a
rapid march, and arrived unexpectedly in the neighbourhood of the
imperial army.
It was of no use to send out scouts. The foe lay hidden in every
thicket. Dietrich asked his heroes which of them would undertake to
gain the enemy’s outpost, and immediately young Alphart, the Lady Ute’s
foster-son, declared himself ready. Others wished to have the duty; but
he had spoken first, and it was given to him.