“And how many Spaniards have you killed? You have not seen my wife by any chance, in the carts with those other hussies? Ah, but the wine of the Meuse! You must taste it. And have you been wounded, my son? You must rest here a while, so fresh and cheery as you are, and vigilant as a young eagle. But our eels! You must taste our eels. No muddy taste about them! Come, kiss me, my second self! Praise be to God! How glad I am!”
And Lamme danced and leapt in the air, puffing and blowing and compelling Ulenspiegel to dance too.
Thereafter they walked towards Namur. At the gate of the city Ulenspiegel showed his passport signed by the Duke. And Lamme conducted him to his house. While their repast was being prepared he made Ulenspiegel tell him all his adventures and then recounted his own, telling how he had left the army to follow a girl whom he thought was his wife. It was in pursuit of her, it seemed, that he had come at last to Namur. And he kept on asking Ulenspiegel:
“Are you sure you have not seen her anywhere?”
“I have seen many other beautiful women,” answered Ulenspiegel, “and in this town especially, where it seems they are all most amorous....”
“It is so,” said Lamme, “nevertheless I have remained faithful. For my sad heart is heavy with but a single recollection.”
“Even as your belly is heavy with countless platter-fuls!” said Ulenspiegel.
“When I am unhappy I have to eat,” Lamme replied.
“Your unhappiness knows no end?” demanded Ulenspiegel.