At Haeckendover, in the duchy of Brabant, the palfreys stood still
once again, and neighed.
And would not go one step forward, nor back.
For this was where God had chosen to have his church.
But the ladies, supposing that they had stopped there because they
were tired, went on as far as Hoy-Bout on foot, and there determined
to start building.
Therefore they sent for the most skilful workers in stone, and
master-builders also, in so great number that at the end of one day
the foundations were two hands' breadth high in the lowest part.
And seeing this good beginning the ladies rejoiced greatly, and
supposed their work agreeable to God.
But on the morrow, alas, found all the stones torn up out of the
ground.
Thinking that by chance some traitor heretic had been buried in
that place, who at night shook down the stones of their church with
the trembling of his accursed bones, they removed to Steenen-Berg
with their workmen, and there started afresh in the same manner as
at Hoy-Bout.
But on the morrow morning found the walls once again out of the ground.
For the Lord Jesus was minded to be worshipped more particularly
at Haeckendover.
And sent, therefore, his angels by night, with hammers of diamond
from the workshops of Paradise.
And bade them tear down the work of the three ladies.
Therefore the sisters, greatly perplexed and wondering, went down on
their knees, praying God that he would tell them where he wished to
have his church.