And the Miserable became the richest, most powerful, and most feared
baron in the whole province.
And blasphemously he compared himself to God.
And considering that the old arms of Dirk, and his device, were too
mean for his new magnificence:
He sent to Bruges for painters in heraldry to fashion them afresh.
These painters put the old crow away in one quarter, and on a field
argent and sable blazoned a heart gules and a sickle or, with this
device: None can stand against me.
Moreover, he had this same blazon fashioned into a great standard which
was flown from his castle keep. And also had it cut in stone over the
gate. And on his shield, which he caused to be made larger so that the
arrogant device might be seen to better advantage. And on his arms,
his clothes, and wherever it could be put, there he had it as well.