“Yes,” said he, “and, moreover, I had fleshly knowledge of her; and so shall have of you, if I please.”
At these words the ladies and gentlewomen were not at all put out.
And he went to the shop of a Lombard goldsmith in that town, who had at one time and another lent him six-and-twenty florins. But the goldsmith did not know him for himself.
He told him that he was Sir Halewyn.
“Ah,” said the goldsmith, “then I pray, My Lord, that you will repay me my six-and-twenty florins.”
But Halewyn, laughing: “Take me,” he said, “to the room where thou keepest thy gold.”
“My Lord,” said the goldsmith, “that I will not, for all that I hold you in high esteem.”
“Dog,” said he, “if thou dost not obey me I will strike thee dead instantly.”
“Ha!” said the goldsmith, “do not come blustering here, My Lord, for I am neither serf nor peasant, but a free burgess of this town. And if you are so minded as to lay your hands on me, I shall know how to get redress, I promise you.”
Then Halewyn struck him, and the burgess called for help.