The lovers tried still to follow them, but at last were forced to drop off, and fell one by one along the wayside.
When they had covered some miles the palfreys stood still; and the three ladies, seeing that they had come free of their pursuers, resolved to give honour to God for his aid, and to this end to build him a fair church.
Where? They did not know. But the thing was already decided in Paradise, as you shall see.
For as soon as they were once again on their horses, the animals, guided by God’s holy spirit, set off at a high trot.
And leapt rivers, threaded forests, passed through towns, whereof the gates opened of themselves to let them by, and closed again after, bounded over walls and like obstacles.
And startled every one they met, all amazed to see go by, quick as the wind, these three white horses and these three fair ladies.
And travelled in this way for a thousand leagues, or rather more.
VI. Of the diamond hammers, and foundations torn up from the ground.
At Haeckendover, in the duchy of Brabant, the palfreys stood still once again, and neighed.