“I see in the west,” she said, “five men and two women seated in a circle. One is clad in purple and wears a crown of gold. He seems the chief over the rest, all ragged and tattered. I see from the east another band of seven coming: one commands them also who is clad in purple, without a crown. And they come against those of the west. And they fight against them in the clouds, but I see nothing more now.”
“The Seven,” said Ulenspiegel.
“I hear,” said Nele, “near by us in the foliage, a voice like a breath of wind saying:
“By war and fire
By pikes and swords
Seek;
In death and blood
Ruins and tears.
Find.”
“Others than we shall deliver the land of Flanders,” replied Ulenspiegel. “Night grows black, the soldiers are lighting torches. We are near the Gallows Field. O sweet beloved, why didst thou follow me? Dost thou hear nothing more, Nele?”