“We are ready, even unto the death!”

And the men said one to another:

“What joy it will be to exchange this land of slavery for the freedom of the sea!”

And the women and girls said likewise:

“Let us follow our husbands and our lovers; we belong to Zeeland and there we shall find asile!”

Now Ulenspiegel had noticed a young and pretty maid, and he addressed her jokingly:

“I would you were my wife!”

But she blushed and answered him:

“I would have thee for my husband—but at the church only, remember!”

The women laughed and said among themselves: