Part 4 (1/2)
But none of the men stirred.
”What is this?” said Master Bredael.
”Alas, master,” said the young women, ”'tis as you see; they are as good as dead the night through, and so has it been a while past. If the angel of G.o.d himself were to come he would scarce be able to rouse them. Ah, must it be that after having left us lonely so long these wicked husbands will now leave us to die!”
”Do not weep,” said Andre Bredael, ”this is no time for that. Do you love these husbands of yours?”
”Yes,” said they.
”And your sons?”
”Yes,” said they.
”And your little daughters, so sweet and winsome?”
”Yes,” said they.
”And you are ready to defend them as best you can?”
”Yes,” said they.
”Well, then,” said Bredael, ”go and fetch your men's bows and come back here with them as quickly as you can. We will think of some way to defend ourselves.”
Soon enough the women were back again, armed with bows which they had taken from their husbands, brothers, or sweethearts. These bows of Uccle were of great renown throughout the land, for they were as strong as steel, and winged their arrows with very great speed.
With them came certain boys of twelve years old, or not much more, and one or two brave old men, but the women sent them back again indoors, saying that they must stay behind and look to the village.
The good womenfolk then collected in a bunch in the square, talking with great ardour and courage, but not too much bragging withal. Every one was clad in a white gown, jacket, or s.h.i.+ft, as is the customary night apparel of women. But on this occasion it was by the special favour of G.o.d that they were so clad, as you shall see by and by.
Wantje, who was one of their number, standing very bold and calm, said suddenly that they must pray. Thereupon they all knelt devoutly, and the maid spoke thus:
”Madam Mary the Virgin, who art queen of heaven as Madam the d.u.c.h.ess is queen of this country, give an ear to these poor wives and maids, humbly kneeling before you, who by reason of the drunkenness of their husbands and brothers must needs take on themselves men's duty and arm themselves to fight. If you will but make a small prayer to My Lord Jesus to give us his aid we shall be sure enough of victory. And we will give you as thanksgiving a fair crown of gold, with rubies, turquoises and diamonds in its rim, a fair golden chain, a fair robe of brocade spangled over with silver, and the same to My Lord your son. Therefore pray for us, Madam Mary.”
And all the other good maids and wives said after Wantje: ”Pray for us, Madam Mary.”
Suddenly, as they were rising from their knees, they saw a beautiful bright star shoot from heaven to earth, not far from where they were. This was, no doubt, an angel from the good G.o.d, who came down from Paradise in this guise, to stand beside them and help them the more surely.
Seeing the sign the good women took heart of grace, and Wantje spoke further, saying:
”Madam the Virgin hearkens to us, 'tis certain. Let us now proceed to the gate of the village, beside the church of Our Lord, who dwells therein”--here all crossed themselves--”to await with confidence the coming of the Irontooth and his men. And when we see them near at hand let every woman draw her bow, without speaking, nor moving in any way. Madam the Virgin will guide the arrows.”
”Well spoken, brave maid,” said Master Bredael. ”Come, I see in those eyes of thine, so bright in the darkness, the breath of G.o.d, which is a flame, alight in thy maid's heart. We must do as she says, good wives.”
”Yes, yes,” said they.
This woman's army took up its place in line in the alley behind the church.
After a while of waiting, wherein was much perplexity and anxiety, they heard the sound of footfalls and voices, growing louder as they listened, as of men on the march.