At this time a group of pilgrims from Germany came there from across the sea and gave the duke a full and honest account of how he was regarded at home. Many of them took back news of him when they returned home. In this way the emperor learned that he was in Jerusalem and was in good health, the news brought to him by a knight who had seen him there. He gave the emperor a full and detailed account of Ernst's strange retinue and of all the adventures he had had, and how he himself had seen and was in a position to report on the amazing creatures and say honestly that they were still with him. The great emperor was pleased to pass on to all of his princes the news that Duke Ernst was alive and well in Jerusalem.

When this became known to the princes, they worried about his life. They said, “He should now be forgiven for what he did, and we must help the noble lord regain the imperial favor, so that his guilt can be wiped out and he can return to the good graces of the emperor.”

By the grace of God and with the intercession of Empress Adelaide, the emperor himself came to regret that he had done Duke Ernst an injustice because Count Henry had slandered him. The mighty emperor ordered, therefore, that he should return in secret to the empire. He wished to restore to him everything that he had taken away, and wanted to forgive the brave warrior everything and bestow great gifts on him. That was what he had in mind. [5705–5756]

To continue with the story, then.

As long as the noble duke was in Jerusalem, the worthy warrior was cherished for his great bravery. He did so much harm to the heathens that they had good cause to bewail their losses. The duke now heard regularly that the great Holy Roman emperor had spoken mercifully of him and had often prayed to the Lord that he might return to his homeland, so that he might hear of all the marvels that had happened.