But one morning while he was at meat in his castle, when his father and sister were gone to Bruges to buy corn-coloured cloth-of-scarlet for their clothes,
And he was being served, with all humility, by his mother and brother,
He became suddenly quite cold, for the heart had ceased to beat.
Putting his hand to his breast, he touched dried-up skin.
Then he felt his face go back as it was before, his shoulders shrink down, his back hump up, and all his body lessen in stature.
Looking at his mother and brother in turn, he saw them laughing and saying to each other: “See, here is our master back in his old ugly skin, and with his old ugly face.”
“Ha, My Lord,” said his brother, coming boldly up to him and speaking insolently, “will you not take some of this clauwaert to hearten yourself? You have no longer, it seems, your former strength.”
“Wilt try it?” said the Miserable, and struck him with his fist, but did him no more hurt than if he had been a fly.
Seeing this the younger brother grew bolder, and seating himself close to Halewyn on the seat:
“My lord,” said he, “you have had pudding enough, I think, ’tis my turn to eat.”