The hero of Bern was welcomed with the utmost joy by his people, and
soon collected an army, which among its most celebrated warriors
numbered brave Lodwig and his son Konrad, faithful Eckehart and his
comrade Hache. Nor was Heime wanting; he had done penance for his sins
in a cloister, and now, hearing of Dietrich’s return, hastened to him
to renew his oath, death having released him from the fealty he had
formerly owed to Ermenrich.
Dietrich’s and Sibich’s forces met. A terrible battle took place.
Dietrich fought with heroic valour, sweeping down all before him.
Eckehart and Hache sought untiringly for faithless Sibich, and at last
they recognised him among the fugitives, although he had cast from him
all signs of the imperial dignity he had usurped. Eckehart seized him
by the scruff of the neck, swung him before him on his horse, and
galloped back to the camp.
“Remember the Harlungs,” he cried, and immediately ordered a gallows to
be erected.
Sibich entreated for life, bare life. He offered much red gold to have
his death put off for even a short space, but—
“Remember the Harlungs,” was the only answer he received.
And so the victory was won. The hero of Bern marched to Romaburg at the
head of his army. He was everywhere met by the princes of the land of
the Amelungs. They greeted him as their chief, and on his arrival at
Romaburg he received the imperial crown.