And Nele’s head was resting on the shoulder of Ulenspiegel. And when the sun had awakened her he said:
“Fresh face, soft heart, we two will be the avengers of the land of Flanders!”
She kissed him on the mouth, saying:
“Wild head, strong arms, God bless my fife and your sword.”
“I will make for you a soldier’s habit,” said Ulenspiegel.
“Now? At once?”
“At once,” he told her. “But who was that man who said that strawberries were sweet in the early morning? Your lips are far, far sweeter.”
XXXIII
By sea, by river, in fair weather and foul, through snows of winter and summer’s heat, the ships of the Beggarmen sailed before the breeze. Full-bellied was their canvas and white as the down of swans—white swans of Liberty.