" (33) "Duke," says Cliges, "that will not do.
In the hearing of all you must repeat those words, for it shall
never be said and noised abroad that you let me off and had mercy
on me. In the hearing of all those who are gathered here, you
must repeat your words, if you wish to be reconciled with me."
So the duke repeats his words in the hearing of all. Then they
make peace and are reconciled. But however the matter be
regarded Cliges had all the honour and glory of it, and the
Greeks were greatly pleased. For their part, the Saxons could
not laugh, all of them having plainly seen that their lord was
worn out and exhausted just now; but there is no doubt at all
that, if he could have helped himself, this peace would never
have been made, and that Cliges' soul would have been drawn from
his body had it proven possible. The duke goes back to Saxony
sorrowing, downcast, and filled with shame; for of his men there
are not even two who do not regard him as worsted, defeated, and
disgraced. The Saxons with all their shame have now returned to
Saxony, while the Greeks without delay make their way with joy
and gladness toward Constantinople, for Cliges by his prowess has
opened the way for them. The emperor of Germany no longer
follows and convoys them.
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