And the old dame took fright and made off.
XXXIII. Of the feast in the castle of Heurne, and of the head upon the table.
Schimmel trotted quickly, and soon Magtelt reached her father’s castle and there sounded the horn.
Josse van Ryhove, who was gate-keeper that night, was filled with amazement at the sight of her. Then he cried out: “Thanks be to God, ’tis our damosel come home again.”
And all the household ran to the gate crying out likewise with great noise and much shouting: “Our damosel is come home.”
Magtelt, going into the great hall, went to Sir Roel and knelt before him:
“My lord father,” she said, “here is the head of Siewert Halewyn.”
Sir Roel, taking the head in his hands and looking at it well, was so overcome with joy that he wept for the first time since the eyes were in his head.