The Dean also asked me whether we did not pray for him. I said: “Yes.” “What do you people call me?” said he; “Do you call me Saul?” I replied: “I have sometimes heard you called the Inquisitor (they all laughed); sometimes the Dean of Ronse.” He said: “That is my name.” We had many more words yet; however partly from lack of paper, I forbear writing more; but I beg all who see this, to receive it in good part, And if possible, let a copy of this be sent to our acquaintances at Antwerp, and one to our acquaintances in the West.
Thereupon these twelve friends (whose names are mentioned in the beginning of Hans de Vette’s letter) all courageously laid down their lives for the truth. First four valiantly passed through the conflict, who offered up their burnt-sacrifice in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a short time afterwards, six others, who, after steadfast confession of their faith, were also brought forth, and being asked whether they would not yet recant, they answered: “No,” but if they had committed any crime, they should be dealt with accordingly. They were speedily sentenced to death as heretics, and when they were taken out to death in two wagons, two monks sat beside them, who prevented them from speaking much, so that they could only with great difficulty speak a word or two, namely: “Fear not them that kill the body; for after that they have no more that they can do;” but, O men, repent, for the apostle says that he that lives after the flesh shall die. Rom. 8:13.
When they were led into a hut of wood and straw in which they were to be burnt, they manifested great joy, and commending their souls into the hands of God, they put off the corruptible, to put on the incorruptible.
There remained yet two pregnant women, who, after giving birth to their children, and lying in, were both secretly beheaded in the count’s castle. Thus all these, continuing steadfast unto the end, went to rest with the Lord and shall also enter into eternal joy with him, in the company of all the dear children of God. Matt. 25:21; John 1:12.
MAEYKEN KATS, OF WERVICK IN FLANDERS, MAGDALEENTKEN, AECHTKEN OF ZIERICKZEE, OLD MAEYKEN, GRIETGEN BONAVENTUERS, AND MAEYKEN DE KORTE, A. D., 1559.
On the 20th of May 1559, the Margrave of Antwerp, seeking one upon whose head a price of three hundred guilders was set, went forth with many servants, and surrounded and entered two houses, in which they found six sisters, namely, Maeyken Kats, Magdaleentken, Aechtken of Zierickzee, Old Maeyken, Grietgen Bonaventuers, and Maeyken de Korte. But however much they searched the houses they could not find the one whom they sought. Then the Margrave wished these women in Hoboken Heath. But nevertheless, when he could not accomplish his purpose, he took all six with him, and shut them in a dark prison. Afterwards they were examined. They freely confessed their faith, and could not be brought to recant, neither by the imperial decree, nor by threats or torture; nor did they betray any one. Hence, on the 18th of June; the first three were sentenced to death, and drowned in prison by night.
Afterwards, on the 11th of October, the other three were also condemned to death; old Maeyken, the honorable widow, who was worthy of double honor, was drowned, while Grietken Bonaventuers and Maeyken de Korte had to taste death by the sword (unusual with women) for the truth, for which their Lord, whom they loved and did not forget, will likewise not forget them, but gladly receive them into his kingdom and joyfully feast in paradise.