“Maid,” said the Duke, “that was well spoken, and ’tis to thee I will hearken.”
But the very reverend Father: “My Lord,” said he, “forgets to think of God.”
“Father,” said the Duke, “I am not forgetful of that duty. Nevertheless I think he takes little pleasure in watching Christian fat smoke or a good man’s flesh boil, but likes rather to see men gentle and kind, and not giving their fellows penance to do. And on this day when Our Lady the Virgin has deigned to perform a miracle for our sakes I will not sadden her mother’s heart by the death of a Christian. Therefore none of the accused, neither this Pieter Gans nor any other there may be, shall this time go to the stake.”
On hearing this Pieter Gans burst out laughing like a madman, and began to dance and sing, crying out the while: “Praise to My Lord! I am not to be boiled. Brabant to the Good Duke!” And all the townsfolk called out after him: “Praise to My Lord!”
Then the Duke bade them be silent, and smiling:
“Well, dames,” said he, “who have this night done man’s work so valiantly, come hither that I may give you a man’s reward. First of all, to the bravest one among you I give this great chain of gold. Which is she?”
The good women pushed Wantje forward before the Duke.
“Ah,” said he, “’tis thee, sweet pleader. Wilt kiss me, though I be old?”
“Yes, My Lord,” said the maid. And so she did, notwithstanding that she was a little shamefaced over it.
And the good Duke, having hung the chain round her neck, spoke further in this wise: