“Have pity! he is brave and valiant; he hath committed no crime!”
De Lumey, then controlling himself:
“Let him ask pardon,” said he.
But Ulenspiegel, remaining upright:
“I will not,” said he.
“Let him say at least that I was not wrong,” cried de Lumey, becoming furious.
Ulenspiegel made answer:
“I do not lick the boots of lords: word of a soldier is no more word of gold.”
“Let them erect the gallows,” said de Lumey, “and let them bring him to it; that will be a hempen word for him.”
“Aye,” said Ulenspiegel, “and I shall cry out in the presence of all the people: ‘Word of a soldier is no more word of gold!’”