shouldhavegivenhimgreatercreditevenforthat,ifithadbeenstrongenoughtoinducehimtosparetheeyesofacertainpoetheoncetookprisoner,whowasaknightbesides.Butheorderedthepoet\'seyestobetornfromhishead,becausehehadlaughedathiminhisverses;andthepoet,inthepainofthattorture,dashedouthisownbrainsagainsthisprisonwall.KingHenrytheFirstwasavaricious,revengeful,andsofalse,thatIsupposeamanneverlivedwhosewordwaslesstobereliedupon.
CHAPTERXI-ENGLANDUNDERMATILDAANDSTEPHEN
THEKingwasnosoonerdeadthanalltheplansandschemeshehadlabouredatsolong,andliedsomuchfor,crumbledawaylikeahollowheapofsand.STEPHEN,whomhehadnevermistrustedorsuspected,starteduptoclaimthethrone.
StephenwasthesonofADELA,theConqueror\'sdaughter,marriedtotheCountofBlois.ToStephen,andtohisbrotherHENRY,thelateKinghadbeenliberal;makingHenryBishopofWinchester,andfindingagoodmarriageforStephen,andmuchenrichinghim.ThisdidnotpreventStephenfromhastilyproducingafalsewitness,aservantofthelateKing,toswearthattheKinghadnamedhimforhisheiruponhisdeath-bed.OnthisevidencetheArchbishopofCanterburycrownedhim.ThenewKing,sosuddenlymade,lostnotamomentinseizingtheRoyaltreasure,andhiringforeignsoldierswithsomeofittoprotecthisthrone.
IfthedeadKinghadevendoneasthefalsewitnesssaid,hewouldhavehadsmallrighttowillawaytheEnglishpeople,likesomanysheeporoxen,withouttheirconsent.Buthehad,infact,bequeathedallhisterritorytoMatilda;who,supportedbyROBERT,EarlofGloucester,soonbegantodisputethecrown.Someofthepowerfulbaronsandprieststookherside;sometookStephen\'s;allfortifiedtheircastles;andagainthemiserableEnglishpeoplewereinvolvedinwar,fromwhichtheycouldneverderiveadvantagewhosoeverwasvictorious,andinwhichallpartiesplundered,tortured,starved,andruinedthem.
FiveyearshadpassedsincethedeathofHenrytheFirst-andduringthosefiveyearstherehadbeentwoterribleinvasionsbythepeopleofScotlandundertheirKing,David,whowasatlastdefeatedwithallhisarmy-whenMatilda,attendedbyherbrotherRobertandalargeforce,appearedinEnglandtomaintainherclaim.AbattlewasfoughtbetweenhertroopsandKingStephen\'satLincoln;inwhichtheKinghimselfwastakenprisoner,afterbravelyfightinguntilhisbattle-axeandswordwerebroken,andwascarriedintostrictconfinementatGloucester.MatildathensubmittedherselftothePriests,andthePriestscrownedherQueenofEngland.
Shedidnotlongenjoythisdignity.ThepeopleofLondonhadagreataffectionforStephen;manyoftheBaronsconsidereditdegradingtoberuledbyawoman;andtheQueen\'stemperwassohaughtythatshemadeinnumerableenemies.ThepeopleofLondonrevolted;and,inalliancewiththetroopsofStephen,besiegedheratWinchester,wheretheytookherbrotherRobertprisoner,whom,asherbestsoldierandchiefgeneral,shewasgladtoexchangeforStephenhimself,whothusregainedhisliberty.Then,thelongwarwentonafresh.Once,shewaspressedsohardintheCastleofOxford,inthewinterweatherwhenthesnowlaythickupontheground,thatheronlychanceofescapewastodressherselfallinwhite,and,accompaniedbynomorethanthreefaithfulKnights,dressedinlikemannerthattheirfiguresmightnotbeseenfromStephen\'scampastheypassedoverthesnow,tostealawayonfoot,crossthefrozenThames,walkalongdistance,andatlastgallopawayonhorseback.Allthisshedid,buttonogreatpurposethen;
forherbrotherdyingwhilethestrugglewasyetgoingon,sheatlastwithdrewtoNormandy.
IntwoorthreeyearsafterherwithdrawalhercauseappearedinEngland,afresh,inthepersonofhersonHenry,youngPlantagenet,who,atonlyeighteenyearsofage,wasverypowerful:notonlyonaccountofhismotherhavingresignedallNormandytohim,butalsofromhishavingmarriedELEANOR,thedivorcedwifeoftheFrenchKing,abadwoman,whohadgreatpossessionsinFrance.Louis,theFrenchKing,notrelishingthisarrangement,helpedEUSTACE,KingStephen\'sson,toinvadeNormandy:butHenrydrovetheirunitedforcesoutofthatcountry,andthenreturnedhere,toassisthispartisans,whomtheKingwasthenbesiegingatWallingfordupontheThames.Here,fortwodays,dividedonlybytheriver,thetwoarmieslayencampedoppositetooneanother-ontheeve,asitseemedtoallmen,ofanotherdesperatefight,whentheEARLOF
ARUNDELtookheartandsaid\'thatitwasnotreasonabletoprolongtheunspeakablemiseriesoftwokingdomstoministertotheambitionoftwoprinces.\'
Manyothernoblemenrepeatingandsupportingthiswhenitwasonceuttered,StephenandyoungPlantagenetwentdown,eachtohisownbankoftheriver,andheldaconversationacrossit,inwhichtheyarrangedatruce;verymuchtothedissatisfactionofEustace,whoswaggeredawaywithsomefollowers,andlaidviolenthandsontheAbbeyofSt.Edmund\'s-Bury,wherehepresentlydiedmad.ThetruceledtoasolemncouncilatWinchester,inwhichitwasagreedthatStephenshouldretainthecrown,onconditionofhisdeclaringHenryhissuccessor;thatWILLIAM,anothersonoftheKing\'s,shouldinherithisfather\'srightfulpossessions;andthatalltheCrownlandswhichStephenhadgivenawayshouldberecalled,andalltheCastleshehadpermittedtobebuiltdemolished.Thusterminatedthebitterwar,whichhadnowlastedfifteenyears,andhadagainlaidEnglandwaste.InthenextyearSTEPHENdied,afteratroubledreignofnineteenyears.
AlthoughKingStephenwas,forthetimeinwhichhelived,ahumaneandmoderateman,withmanyexcellentqualities;andalthoughnothingworseisknownofhimthanhisusurpationoftheCrown,whichheprobablyexcusedtohimselfbytheconsiderationthatKingHenrytheFirstwasausurpertoo-whichwasnoexcuseatall;thepeopleofEnglandsufferedmoreinthesedreadnineteenyears,thanatanyformerperiodevenoftheirsufferinghistory.InthedivisionofthenobilitybetweenthetworivalclaimantsoftheCrown,andinthegrowthofwhatiscalledtheFeudalSystemwhichmadethepeasantsthebornvassalsandmereslavesoftheBarons,everyNoblehadhisstrongCastle,wherehereignedthecruelkingofalltheneighbouringpeople.Accordingly,heperpetratedwhatevercrueltieshechose.AndneverwereworsecrueltiescommitteduponearththaninwretchedEnglandinthosenineteenyears.
Thewriterswhowerelivingthendescribethemfearfully.Theysaythatthecastleswerefilledwithdevilsratherthanwithmen;thatthepeasants,menandwomen,wereputintodungeonsfortheirgoldandsilver,weretorturedwithfireandsmoke,werehungupbythethumbs,werehungupbytheheelswithgreatweightstotheirheads,weretornwithjaggedirons,killedwithhunger,brokentodeathinnarrowchestsfilledwithsharp-pointedstones,murderedincountlessfiendishways.InEnglandtherewasnocorn,nomeat,nocheese,nobutter,therewerenotilledlands,noharvests.
Ashesofburnttowns,anddrearywastes,wereallthatthetraveller,fearfuloftherobberswhoprowledabroadatallhours,wouldseeinalongday\'sjourney;andfromsunriseuntilnight,hewouldnotcomeuponahome.
Theclergysometimessuffered,andheavilytoo,frompillage,butmanyofthemhadcastlesoftheirown,andfoughtinhelmetandarmourlikethebarons,anddrewlotswithotherfightingmenfortheirshareofbooty.ThePopeorBishopofRome,onKingStephen\'sresistinghisambition,laidEnglandunderanInterdictatoneperiodofthisreign;whichmeansthatheallowednoservicetobeperformedinthechurches,nocouplestobemarried,nobellstoberung,nodeadbodiestobeburied.Anymanhavingthepowertorefusethesethings,nomatterwhetherhewerecalledaPopeoraPoulterer,would,ofcourse,havethepowerofafflictingnumbersofinnocentpeople.ThatnothingmightbewantingtothemiseriesofKingStephen\'stime,thePopethrewinthiscontributiontothepublicstore-notverylikethewidow\'scontribution,asIthink,whenOurSavioursatinJerusalemover-againsttheTreasury,\'andshethrewintwomites,whichmakeafarthing.\'
CHAPTERXII-ENGLANDUNDERHENRYTHESECOND-PARTTHEFIRST
HENRYPLANTAGENET,whenhewasbuttwenty-oneyearsold,quietlysucceededtothethroneofEngland,accordingtohisagreementmadewiththelateKingatWinchester.SixweeksafterStephen\'sdeath,heandhisQueen,Eleanor,werecrownedinthatcity;intowhichtheyrodeonhorsebackingreatstate,sidebyside,amidstmuchshoutingandrejoicing,andclashingofmusic,andstrewingofflowers.
ThereignofKingHenrytheSecondbeganwell.TheKinghadgreatpossessions,andwhatwithhisownrights,andwhatwiththoseofhiswifewaslordofone-thirdpartofFrance.Hewasayoungmanofvigour,ability,andresolution,andimmediatelyappliedhimselftoremovesomeoftheevilswhichhadariseninthelastunhappyreign.Herevokedallthegrantsoflandthathadbeenhastilymade,oneitherside,duringthelatestruggles;heobligednumbersofdisorderlysoldierstodepartfromEngland;hereclaimedallthecastlesbelongingtotheCrown;andheforcedthewickednoblestopulldowntheirowncastles,tothenumberofelevenhundred,inwhichsuchdismalcrueltieshadbeeninflictedonthepeople.TheKing\'sbrother,GEOFFREY,roseagainsthiminFrance,whilehewassowellemployed,andrendereditnecessaryforhimtorepairtothatcountry;where,afterhehadsubduedandmadeafriendlyarrangementwithhisbrotherwhodidnotlivelong,hisambitiontoincreasehispossessionsinvolvedhiminawarwiththeFrenchKing,Louis,withwhomhehadbeenonsuchfriendlytermsjustbefore,thattotheFrenchKing\'sinfantdaughter,thenababyinthecradle,hehadpromisedoneofhislittlesonsinmarriage,whowasachildoffiveyearsold.However,thewarcametonothingatlast,andthePopemadethetwoKingsfriendsagain.
Now,theclergy,inthetroublesofthelastreign,hadgoneonveryillindeed.Therewereallkindsofcriminalsamongthem-
murderers,thieves,andvagabonds;andtheworstofthematterwas,thatthegoodpriestswouldnotgiveupthebadprieststojustice,whentheycommittedcrimes,butpersistedinshelteringanddefendingthem.TheKing,wellknowingthattherecouldbenopeaceorrestinEnglandwhilesuchthingslasted,resolvedtoreducethepoweroftheclergy;and,whenhehadreignedsevenyears,foundasheconsideredagoodopportunityfordoingso,inthedeathoftheArchbishopofCanterbury.\'IwillhaveforthenewArchbishop,\'thoughttheKing,\'afriendinwhomIcantrust,whowillhelpmetohumbletheserebelliouspriests,andtohavethemdealtwith,whentheydowrong,asothermenwhodowrongaredealtwith.\'So,heresolvedtomakehisfavourite,thenewArchbishop;andthisfavouritewassoextraordinaryaman,andhisstoryissocurious,thatImusttellyouallabouthim.
Onceuponatime,aworthymerchantofLondon,namedGILBERTA
BECKET,madeapilgrimagetotheHolyLand,andwastakenprisonerbyaSaracenlord.Thislord,whotreatedhimkindlyandnotlikeaslave,hadonefairdaughter,whofellinlovewiththemerchant;
andwhotoldhimthatshewantedtobecomeaChristian,andwaswillingtomarryhimiftheycouldflytoaChristiancountry.Themerchantreturnedherlove,untilhefoundanopportunitytoescape,whenhedidnottroublehimselfabouttheSaracenlady,butescapedwithhisservantRichard,whohadbeentakenprisoneralongwithhim,andarrivedinEnglandandforgother.TheSaracenlady,whowasmorelovingthanthemerchant,leftherfather\'shouseindisguisetofollowhim,andmadeherway,undermanyhardships,tothesea-shore.ThemerchanthadtaughtheronlytwoEnglishwordsforIsupposehemusthavelearnttheSaracentonguehimself,andmadeloveinthatlanguage,ofwhichLONDONwasone,andhisownname,GILBERT,theother.Shewentamongtheships,saying,\'London!London!\'overandoveragain,untilthesailorsunderstoodthatshewantedtofindanEnglishvesselthatwouldcarryherthere;sotheyshowedhersuchaship,andshepaidforherpassagewithsomeofherjewels,andsailedaway.Well!Themerchantwassittinginhiscounting-houseinLondononeday,whenheheardagreatnoiseinthestreet;andpresentlyRichardcamerunninginfromthewarehouse,withhiseyeswideopenandhisbreathalmostgone,saying,\'Master,master,hereistheSaracenlady!\'ThemerchantthoughtRichardwasmad;butRichardsaid,\'No,master!
AsIlive,theSaracenladyisgoingupanddownthecity,callingGilbert!Gilbert!\'Then,hetookthemerchantbythesleeve,andpointedoutofwindow;andtheretheysawheramongthegablesandwater-spoutsofthedark,dirtystreet,inherforeigndress,soforlorn,surroundedbyawonderingcrowd,andpassingslowlyalong,callingGilbert,Gilbert!Whenthemerchantsawher,andthoughtofthetendernessshehadshownhiminhiscaptivity,andofherconstancy,hisheartwasmoved,andherandownintothestreet;
andshesawhimcoming,andwithagreatcryfaintedinhisarms.
Theyweremarriedwithoutlossoftime,andRichardwhowasanexcellentmandancedwithjoythewholedayofthewedding;andtheyalllivedhappyeverafterwards.
ThismerchantandthisSaracenladyhadoneson,THOMASABECKET.
HeitwaswhobecametheFavouriteofKingHenrytheSecond.
HehadbecomeChancellor,whentheKingthoughtofmakinghimArchbishop.Hewasclever,gay,welleducated,brave;hadfoughtinseveralbattlesinFrance;haddefeatedaFrenchknightinsinglecombat,andbroughthishorseawayasatokenofthevictory.Helivedinanoblepalace,hewasthetutoroftheyoungPrinceHenry,hewasservedbyonehundredandfortyknights,hisricheswereimmense.TheKingoncesenthimashisambassadortoFrance;andtheFrenchpeople,beholdinginwhatstatehetravelled,criedoutinthestreets,\'HowsplendidmusttheKingofEnglandbe,whenthisisonlytheChancellor!\'TheyhadgoodreasontowonderatthemagnificenceofThomasaBecket,for,whenheenteredaFrenchtown,hisprocessionwasheadedbytwohundredandfiftysingingboys;then,camehishoundsincouples;then,eightwaggons,eachdrawnbyfivehorsesdrivenbyfivedrivers:
twoofthewaggonsfilledwithstrongaletobegivenawaytothepeople;four,withhisgoldandsilverplateandstatelyclothes;
two,withthedressesofhisnumerousservants.Then,cametwelvehorses,eachwithamonkeyonhisback;then,atrainofpeoplebearingshieldsandleadingfinewar-horsessplendidlyequipped;
then,falconerswithhawksupontheirwrists;then,ahostofknights,andgentlemenandpriests;then,theChancellorwithhisbrilliantgarmentsflashinginthesun,andallthepeoplecaperingandshoutingwithdelight.
TheKingwaswellpleasedwithallthis,thinkingthatitonlymadehimselfthemoremagnificenttohavesomagnificentafavourite;
buthesometimesjestedwiththeChancelloruponhissplendourtoo.
Once,whentheywereridingtogetherthroughthestreetsofLondoninhardwinterweather,theysawashiveringoldmaninrags.
\'Lookatthepoorobject!\'saidtheKing.\'Woulditnotbeacharitableacttogivethatagedmanacomfortablewarmcloak?\'
\'Undoubtedlyitwould,\'saidThomasaBecket,\'andyoudowell,Sir,tothinkofsuchChristianduties.\'\'Come!\'criedtheKing,\'thengivehimyourcloak!\'Itwasmadeofrichcrimsontrimmedwithermine.TheKingtriedtopullitoff,theChancellortriedtokeepiton,bothwerenearrollingfromtheirsaddlesinthemud,whentheChancellorsubmitted,andtheKinggavethecloaktotheoldbeggar:muchtothebeggar\'sastonishment,andmuchtothemerrimentofallthecourtiersinattendance.For,courtiersarenotonlyeagertolaughwhentheKinglaughs,buttheyreallydoenjoyalaughagainstaFavourite.
\'Iwillmake,\'thoughtKingHenrythesecond,\'thisChancellorofmine,ThomasaBecket,ArchbishopofCanterbury.HewillthenbetheheadoftheChurch,and,beingdevotedtome,willhelpmetocorrecttheChurch.Hehasalwaysupheldmypoweragainstthepoweroftheclergy,andoncepubliclytoldsomebishopsI
remember,thatmenoftheChurchwereequallyboundtome,withmenofthesword.ThomasaBecketistheman,ofallothermeninEngland,tohelpmeinmygreatdesign.\'SotheKing,regardlessofallobjection,eitherthathewasafightingman,oralavishman,oracourtlyman,oramanofpleasure,oranythingbutalikelymanfortheoffice,madehimArchbishopaccordingly.
Now,ThomasaBecketwasproudandlovedtobefamous.Hewasalreadyfamousforthepompofhislife,forhisriches,hisgoldandsilverplate,hiswaggons,horses,andattendants.Hecoulddonomoreinthatwaythanhehaddone;andbeingtiredofthatkindoffamewhichisaverypoorone,helongedtohavehisnamecelebratedforsomethingelse.Nothing,heknew,wouldrenderhimsofamousintheworld,asthesettingofhisutmostpowerandabilityagainsttheutmostpowerandabilityoftheKing.Heresolvedwiththewholestrengthofhismindtodoit.
HemayhavehadsomesecretgrudgeagainsttheKingbesides.TheKingmayhaveoffendedhisproudhumouratsometimeorother,foranythingIknow.Ithinkitlikely,becauseitisacommonthingforKings,Princes,andothergreatpeople,totrythetempersoftheirfavouritesratherseverely.Eventhelittleaffairofthecrimsoncloakmusthavebeenanythingbutapleasantonetoahaughtyman.ThomasaBecketknewbetterthananyoneinEnglandwhattheKingexpectedofhim.Inallhissumptuouslife,hehadneveryetbeeninapositiontodisappointtheKing.Hecouldtakeupthatproudstandnow,asheadoftheChurch;andhedeterminedthatitshouldbewritteninhistory,eitherthathesubduedtheKing,orthattheKingsubduedhim.
So,ofasudden,hecompletelyalteredthewholemannerofhislife.Heturnedoffallhisbrilliantfollowers,atecoarsefood,drankbitterwater,worenexthisskinsackclothcoveredwithdirtandverminforitwasthenthoughtveryreligioustobeverydirty,floggedhisbacktopunishhimself,livedchieflyinalittlecell,washedthefeetofthirteenpoorpeopleeveryday,andlookedasmiserableashepossiblycould.Ifhehadputtwelvehundredmonkeysonhorsebackinsteadoftwelve,andhadgoneinprocessionwitheightthousandwaggonsinsteadofeight,hecouldnothavehalfastonishedthepeoplesomuchasbythisgreatchange.ItsooncausedhimtobemoretalkedaboutasanArchbishopthanhehadbeenasaChancellor.
TheKingwasveryangry;andwasmadestillmoreso,whenthenewArchbishop,claimingvariousestatesfromthenoblesasbeingrightfullyChurchproperty,requiredtheKinghimself,forthesamereason,togiveupRochesterCastle,andRochesterCitytoo.Notsatisfiedwiththis,hedeclaredthatnopowerbuthimselfshouldappointapriesttoanyChurchinthepartofEnglandoverwhichhewasArchbishop;andwhenacertaingentlemanofKentmadesuchanappointment,asheclaimedtohavetherighttodo,ThomasaBecketexcommunicatedhim.
Excommunicationwas,nexttotheInterdictItoldyouofatthecloseofthelastchapter,thegreatweaponoftheclergy.Itconsistedindeclaringthepersonwhowasexcommunicated,anoutcastfromtheChurchandfromallreligiousoffices;andincursinghimallover,fromthetopofhisheadtothesoleofhisfoot,whetherhewasstandingup,lyingdown,sitting,kneeling,walking,running,hopping,jumping,gaping,coughing,sneezing,orwhateverelsehewasdoing.Thisunchristiannonsensewouldofcoursehavemadenosortofdifferencetothepersoncursed-whocouldsayhisprayersathomeifhewereshutoutofchurch,andwhomnonebutGODcouldjudge-butforthefearsandsuperstitionsofthepeople,whoavoidedexcommunicatedpersons,andmadetheirlivesunhappy.So,theKingsaidtotheNewArchbishop,\'TakeoffthisExcommunicationfromthisgentlemanofKent.\'TowhichtheArchbishopreplied,\'Ishalldonosuchthing.\'
Thequarrelwenton.ApriestinWorcestershirecommittedamostdreadfulmurder,thatarousedthehorrorofthewholenation.TheKingdemandedtohavethiswretchdeliveredup,tobetriedinthesamecourtandinthesamewayasanyothermurderer.TheArchbishoprefused,andkepthimintheBishop\'sprison.TheKing,holdingasolemnassemblyinWestminsterHall,demandedthatinfutureallpriestsfoundguiltybeforetheirBishopsofcrimesagainstthelawofthelandshouldbeconsideredpriestsnolonger,andshouldbedeliveredovertothelawofthelandforpunishment.
TheArchbishopagainrefused.TheKingrequiredtoknowwhethertheclergywouldobeytheancientcustomsofthecountry?Everypriestthere,butone,said,afterThomasaBecket,\'Savingmyorder.\'Thisreallymeantthattheywouldonlyobeythosecustomswhentheydidnotinterferewiththeirownclaims;andtheKingwentoutoftheHallingreatwrath.
Someoftheclergybegantobeafraid,now,thattheyweregoingtoofar.ThoughThomasaBecketwasotherwiseasunmovedasWestminsterHall,theyprevaileduponhim,forthesakeoftheirfears,togototheKingatWoodstock,andpromisetoobservetheancientcustomsofthecountry,withoutsayinganythingabouthisorder.TheKingreceivedthissubmissionfavourably,andsummonedagreatcounciloftheclergytomeetattheCastleofClarendon,bySalisbury.Butwhenthecouncilmet,theArchbishopagaininsistedonthewords\'sayingmyorder;\'andhestillinsisted,thoughlordsentreatedhim,andpriestsweptbeforehimandknelttohim,andanadjoiningroomwasthrownopen,filledwitharmedsoldiersoftheKing,tothreatenhim.Atlengthhegaveway,forthattime,andtheancientcustomswhichincludedwhattheKinghaddemandedinvainwerestatedinwriting,andweresignedandsealedbythechiefoftheclergy,andwerecalledtheConstitutionsofClarendon.
Thequarrelwenton,forallthat.TheArchbishoptriedtoseetheKing.TheKingwouldnotseehim.TheArchbishoptriedtoescapefromEngland.Thesailorsonthecoastwouldlaunchnoboattotakehimaway.Then,heagainresolvedtodohisworstinoppositiontotheKing,andbeganopenlytosettheancientcustomsatdefiance.
TheKingsummonedhimbeforeagreatcouncilatNorthampton,whereheaccusedhimofhightreason,andmadeaclaimagainsthim,whichwasnotajustone,foranenormoussumofmoney.ThomasaBecketwasaloneagainstthewholeassembly,andtheveryBishopsadvisedhimtoresignhisofficeandabandonhiscontestwiththeKing.
Hisgreatanxietyandagitationstretchedhimonasick-bedfortwodays,buthewasstillundaunted.Hewenttotheadjournedcouncil,carryingagreatcrossinhisrighthand,andsatdownholdingiterectbeforehim.TheKingangrilyretiredintoaninnerroom.Thewholeassemblyangrilyretiredandlefthimthere.
Buttherehesat.TheBishopscameoutagaininabody,andrenouncedhimasatraitor.Heonlysaid,\'Ihear!\'andsattherestill.Theyretiredagainintotheinnerroom,andhistrialproceededwithouthim.By-and-by,theEarlofLeicester,headingthebarons,cameouttoreadhissentence.Herefusedtohearit,deniedthepowerofthecourt,andsaidhewouldreferhiscausetothePope.Ashewalkedoutofthehall,withthecrossinhishand,someofthosepresentpickeduprushes-rusheswerestrewnuponthefloorsinthosedaysbywayofcarpet-andthrewthemathim.Heproudlyturnedhishead,andsaidthatwerehenotArchbishop,hewouldchastisethosecowardswiththeswordhehadknownhowtouseinbygonedays.Hethenmountedhishorse,androdeaway,cheeredandsurroundedbythecommonpeople,towhomhethrewopenhishousethatnightandgaveasupper,suppingwiththemhimself.Thatsamenighthesecretlydepartedfromthetown;
andso,travellingbynightandhidingbyday,andcallinghimself\'BrotherDearman,\'gotaway,notwithoutdifficulty,toFlanders.
Thestrugglestillwenton.TheangryKingtookpossessionoftherevenuesofthearchbishopric,andbanishedalltherelationsandservantsofThomasaBecket,tothenumberoffourhundred.ThePopeandtheFrenchKingbothprotectedhim,andanabbeywasassignedforhisresidence.Stimulatedbythissupport,ThomasaBecket,onagreatfestivalday,formallyproceededtoagreatchurchcrowdedwithpeople,andgoingupintothepulpitpubliclycursedandexcommunicatedallwhohadsupportedtheConstitutionsofClarendon:mentioningmanyEnglishnoblemenbyname,andnotdistantlyhintingattheKingofEnglandhimself.
WhenintelligenceofthisnewaffrontwascarriedtotheKinginhischamber,hispassionwassofuriousthathetorehisclothes,androlledlikeamadmanonhisbedofstrawandrushes.Buthewassoonupanddoing.HeorderedalltheportsandcoastsofEnglandtobenarrowlywatched,thatnolettersofInterdictmightbebroughtintothekingdom;andsentmessengersandbribestothePope\'spalaceatRome.Meanwhile,ThomasaBecket,forhispart,wasnotidleatRome,butconstantlyemployedhisutmostartsinhisownbehalf.Thustheconteststood,untiltherewaspeacebetweenFranceandEnglandwhichhadbeenforsometimeatwar,anduntilthetwochildrenofthetwoKingsweremarriedincelebrationofit.Then,theFrenchKingbroughtaboutameetingbetweenHenryandhisoldfavourite,solonghisenemy.
Eventhen,thoughThomasaBecketkneltbeforetheKing,hewasobstinateandimmovableastothosewordsabouthisorder.KingLouisofFrancewasweakenoughinhisvenerationforThomasaBecketandsuchmen,butthiswasalittletoomuchforhim.HesaidthataBecket\'wantedtobegreaterthanthesaintsandbetterthanSt.Peter,\'androdeawayfromhimwiththeKingofEngland.
HispoorFrenchMajestyaskedaBecket\'spardonforsodoing,however,soonafterwards,andcutaverypitifulfigure.
Atlast,andafteraworldoftrouble,itcametothis.TherewasanothermeetingonFrenchgroundbetweenKingHenryandThomasaBecket,anditwasagreedthatThomasaBecketshouldbeArchbishopofCanterbury,accordingtothecustomsofformerArchbishops,andthattheKingshouldputhiminpossessionoftherevenuesofthatpost.Andnow,indeed,youmightsupposethestruggleatanend,andThomasaBecketatrest.NO,notevenyet.ForThomasaBeckethearing,bysomemeans,thatKingHenry,whenhewasindreadofhiskingdombeingplacedunderaninterdict,hadhadhiseldestsonPrinceHenrysecretlycrowned,notonlypersuadedthePopetosuspendtheArchbishopofYorkwhohadperformedthatceremony,andtoexcommunicatetheBishopswhohadassistedatit,butsentamessengerofhisownintoEngland,inspiteofalltheKing\'sprecautionsalongthecoast,whodeliveredthelettersofexcommunicationintotheBishops\'ownhands.ThomasaBecketthencameovertoEnglandhimself,afteranabsenceofsevenyears.Hewasprivatelywarnedthatitwasdangeroustocome,andthatanirefulknight,namedRANULFDEBROC,hadthreatenedthatheshouldnotlivetoeataloafofbreadinEngland;buthecame.
Thecommonpeoplereceivedhimwell,andmarchedaboutwithhiminasoldierlyway,armedwithsuchrusticweaponsastheycouldget.
Hetriedtoseetheyoungprincewhohadoncebeenhispupil,butwasprevented.Hehopedforsomelittlesupportamongthenoblesandpriests,butfoundnone.Hemadethemostofthepeasantswhoattendedhim,andfeastedthem,andwentfromCanterburytoHarrow-
on-the-Hill,andfromHarrow-on-the-HillbacktoCanterbury,andonChristmasDaypreachedintheCathedralthere,andtoldthepeopleinhissermonthathehadcometodieamongthem,andthatitwaslikelyhewouldbemurdered.Hehadnofear,however-or,ifhehadany,hehadmuchmoreobstinacy-forhe,thenandthere,excommunicatedthreeofhisenemies,ofwhomRanulfdeBroc,theirefulknight,wasone.
Asmeningeneralhadnofancyforbeingcursed,intheirsittingandwalking,andgapingandsneezing,andalltherestofit,itwasverynaturalinthepersonssofreelyexcommunicatedtocomplaintotheKing.ItwasequallynaturalintheKing,whohadhopedthatthistroublesomeopponentwasatlastquieted,tofallintoamightyragewhenheheardofthesenewaffronts;and,ontheArchbishopofYorktellinghimthathenevercouldhopeforrestwhileThomasaBecketlived,tocryouthastilybeforehiscourt,\'HaveInooneherewhowilldelivermefromthisman?\'Therewerefourknightspresent,who,hearingtheKing\'swords,lookedatoneanother,andwentout.
ThenamesoftheseknightswereREGINALDFITZURSE,WILLIAMTRACY,HUGHDEMORVILLE,andRICHARDBRITO;threeofwhomhadbeeninthetrainofThomasaBecketintheolddaysofhissplendour.Theyrodeawayonhorseback,inaverysecretmanner,andonthethirddayafterChristmasDayarrivedatSaltwoodHouse,notfarfromCanterbury,whichbelongedtothefamilyofRanulfdeBroc.Theyquietlycollectedsomefollowershere,incasetheyshouldneedany;andproceedingtoCanterbury,suddenlyappearedthefourknightsandtwelvemenbeforetheArchbishop,inhisownhouse,attwoo\'clockintheafternoon.Theyneitherbowednorspoke,butsatdownonthefloorinsilence,staringattheArchbishop.
ThomasaBecketsaid,atlength,\'Whatdoyouwant?\'
\'Wewant,\'saidReginaldFitzurse,\'theexcommunicationtakenfromtheBishops,andyoutoanswerforyouroffencestotheKing.\'
ThomasaBecketdefiantlyreplied,thatthepoweroftheclergywasabovethepoweroftheKing.Thatitwasnotforsuchmenastheywere,tothreatenhim.ThatifhewerethreatenedbyalltheswordsinEngland,hewouldneveryield.
\'Thenwewilldomorethanthreaten!\'saidtheknights.Andtheywentoutwiththetwelvemen,andputontheirarmour,anddrewtheirshiningswords,andcameback.
Hisservants,inthemeantime,hadshutupandbarredthegreatgateofthepalace.Atfirst,theknightstriedtoshatteritwiththeirbattle-axes;but,beingshownawindowbywhichtheycouldenter,theyletthegatealone,andclimbedinthatway.Whiletheywerebatteringatthedoor,theattendantsofThomasaBeckethadimploredhimtotakerefugeintheCathedral;inwhich,asasanctuaryorsacredplace,theythoughttheknightswoulddaretodonoviolentdeed.Hetoldthem,againandagain,thathewouldnotstir.Hearingthedistantvoicesofthemonkssingingtheeveningservice,however,hesaiditwasnowhisdutytoattend,andtherefore,andfornootherreason,hewouldgo.
TherewasanearwaybetweenhisPalaceandtheCathedral,bysomebeautifuloldcloisterswhichyoumayyetsee.HewentintotheCathedral,withoutanyhurry,andhavingtheCrosscarriedbeforehimasusual.Whenhewassafelythere,hisservantswouldhavefastenedthedoor,buthesaidNO!itwasthehouseofGodandnotafortress.
Ashespoke,theshadowofReginaldFitzurseappearedintheCathedraldoorway,darkeningthelittlelighttherewasoutside,onthedarkwinterevening.Thisknightsaid,inastrongvoice,\'Followme,loyalservantsoftheKing!\'TherattleofthearmouroftheotherknightsechoedthroughtheCathedral,astheycameclashingin.
Itwassodark,intheloftyaislesandamongthestatelypillarsofthechurch,andthereweresomanyhiding-placesinthecryptbelowandinthenarrowpassagesabove,thatThomasaBecketmightevenatthatpasshavesavedhimselfifhewould.Buthewouldnot.Hetoldthemonksresolutelythathewouldnot.AndthoughtheyalldispersedandlefthimtherewithnootherfollowerthanEDWARDGRYME,hisfaithfulcross-bearer,hewasasfirmthen,aseverhehadbeeninhislife.
Theknightscameon,throughthedarkness,makingaterriblenoisewiththeirarmedtreaduponthestonepavementofthechurch.
\'Whereisthetraitor?\'theycriedout.Hemadenoanswer.Butwhentheycried,\'WhereistheArchbishop?\'hesaidproudly,\'Iamhere!\'andcameoutoftheshadeandstoodbeforethem.
Theknightshadnodesiretokillhim,iftheycouldridtheKingandthemselvesofhimbyanyothermeans.Theytoldhimhemusteitherflyorgowiththem.Hesaidhewoulddoneither;andhethrewWilliamTracyoffwithsuchforcewhenhetookholdofhissleeve,thatTracyreeledagain.Byhisreproachesandhissteadiness,hesoincensedthem,andexasperatedtheirfiercehumour,thatReginaldFitzurse,whomhecalledbyanillname,said,\'Thendie!\'andstruckathishead.ButthefaithfulEdwardGrymeputouthisarm,andtherereceivedthemainforceoftheblow,sothatitonlymadehismasterbleed.AnothervoicefromamongtheknightsagaincalledtoThomasaBeckettofly;but,withhisbloodrunningdownhisface,andhishandsclasped,andhisheadbent,hecommandedhimselftoGod,andstoodfirm.ThentheycruellykilledhimclosetothealtarofSt.Bennet;andhisbodyfelluponthepavement,whichwasdirtiedwithhisbloodandbrains.
Itisanawfulthingtothinkofthemurderedmortal,whohadsoshoweredhiscursesabout,lying,alldisfigured,inthechurch,whereafewlampshereandtherewerebutredspecksonapallofdarkness;andtothinkoftheguiltyknightsridingawayonhorseback,lookingovertheirshouldersatthedimCathedral,andrememberingwhattheyhadleftinside.
PARTTHESECOND
WHENtheKingheardhowThomasaBeckethadlosthislifeinCanterburyCathedral,throughtheferocityofthefourKnights,hewasfilledwithdismay.SomehavesupposedthatwhentheKingspokethosehastywords,\'HaveInooneherewhowilldelivermefromthisman?\'hewished,andmeantaBeckettobeslain.Butfewthingsaremoreunlikely;for,besidesthattheKingwasnotnaturallycruelthoughverypassionate,hewaswise,andmusthaveknownfullwellwhatanystupidmaninhisdominionsmusthaveknown,namely,thatsuchamurderwouldrousethePopeandthewholeChurchagainsthim.
HesentrespectfulmessengerstothePope,torepresenthisinnocenceexceptinhavingutteredthehastywords;andhesworesolemnlyandpubliclytohisinnocence,andcontrivedintimetomakehispeace.AstothefourguiltyKnights,whofledintoYorkshire,andneveragaindaredtoshowthemselvesatCourt,thePopeexcommunicatedthem;andtheylivedmiserablyforsometime,shunnedbyalltheircountrymen.Atlast,theywenthumblytoJerusalemasapenance,andtherediedandwereburied.
Ithappened,fortunatelyforthepacifyingofthePope,thatanopportunityaroseverysoonafterthemurderofaBecket,fortheKingtodeclarehispowerinIreland-whichwasanacceptableundertakingtothePope,astheIrish,whohadbeenconvertedtoChristianitybyonePatriciusotherwiseSaintPatricklongago,beforeanyPopeexisted,consideredthatthePopehadnothingatalltodowiththem,ortheywiththePope,andaccordinglyrefusedtopayhimPeter\'sPence,orthattaxofapennyahousewhichI
haveelsewherementioned.TheKing\'sopportunityaroseinthisway.
TheIrishwere,atthattime,asbarbarousapeopleasyoucanwellimagine.Theywerecontinuallyquarrellingandfighting,cuttingoneanother\'sthroats,slicingoneanother\'snoses,burningoneanother\'shouses,carryingawayoneanother\'swives,andcommittingallsortsofviolence.Thecountrywasdividedintofivekingdoms-DESMOND,THOMOND,CONNAUGHT,ULSTER,andLEINSTER-eachgovernedbyaseparateKing,ofwhomoneclaimedtobethechiefoftherest.Now,oneoftheseKings,namedDERMONDMACMURROUGHawildkindofname,speltinmorethanonewildkindofway,hadcarriedoffthewifeofafriendofhis,andconcealedheronanislandinabog.Thefriendresentingthisthoughitwasquitethecustomofthecountry,complainedtothechiefKing,and,withthechiefKing\'shelp,droveDermondMacMurroughoutofhisdominions.
DermondcameovertoEnglandforrevenge;andofferedtoholdhisrealmasavassalofKingHenry,ifKingHenrywouldhelphimtoregainit.TheKingconsentedtotheseterms;butonlyassistedhim,then,withwhatwerecalledLettersPatent,authorisinganyEnglishsubjectswhoweresodisposed,toenterintohisservice,andaidhiscause.
Therewas,atBristol,acertainEARLRICHARDDECLARE,calledSTRONGBOW;ofnoverygoodcharacter;needyanddesperate,andreadyforanythingthatofferedhimachanceofimprovinghisfortunes.Therewere,inSouthWales,twootherbrokenknightsofthesamegood-for-nothingsort,calledROBERTFITZ-STEPHEN,andMAURICEFITZ-GERALD.Thesethree,eachwithasmallbandoffollowers,tookupDermond\'scause;anditwasagreedthatifitprovedsuccessful,StrongbowshouldmarryDermond\'sdaughterEVA,andbedeclaredhisheir.
ThetrainedEnglishfollowersoftheseknightsweresosuperiorinallthedisciplineofbattletotheIrish,thattheybeatthemagainstimmensesuperiorityofnumbers.Inonefight,earlyinthewar,theycutoffthreehundredheads,andlaidthembeforeMacMurrough;whoturnedthemeveryoneupwithhishands,rejoicing,and,comingtoonewhichwastheheadofamanwhomhehadmuchdisliked,graspeditbythehairandears,andtoreoffthenoseandlipswithhisteeth.Youmayjudgefromthis,whatkindofagentlemananIrishKinginthosetimeswas.Thecaptives,allthroughthiswar,werehorriblytreated;thevictoriouspartymakingnothingofbreakingtheirlimbs,andcastingthemintotheseafromthetopsofhighrocks.ItwasinthemidstofthemiseriesandcrueltiesattendantonthetakingofWaterford,wherethedeadlaypiledinthestreets,andthefilthyguttersranwithblood,thatStrongbowmarriedEva.Anodiousmarriage-companythosemoundsofcorpse\'smusthavemade,Ithink,andonequiteworthyoftheyounglady\'sfather.
Hedied,afterWaterfordandDublinhadbeentaken,andvarioussuccessesachieved;andStrongbowbecameKingofLeinster.NowcameKingHenry\'sopportunity.TorestrainthegrowingpowerofStrongbow,hehimselfrepairedtoDublin,asStrongbow\'sRoyalMaster,anddeprivedhimofhiskingdom,butconfirmedhimintheenjoymentofgreatpossessions.TheKing,then,holdingstateinDublin,receivedthehomageofnearlyalltheIrishKingsandChiefs,andsocamehomeagainwithagreatadditiontohisreputationasLordofIreland,andwithanewclaimonthefavourofthePope.Andnow,theirreconciliationwascompleted-moreeasilyandmildlybythePope,thantheKingmighthaveexpected,I
think.
Atthisperiodofhisreign,whenhistroublesseemedsofewandhisprospectssobright,thosedomesticmiseriesbeganwhichgraduallymadetheKingthemostunhappyofmen,reducedhisgreatspirit,woreawayhishealth,andbrokehisheart.
Hehadfoursons.HENRY,nowagedeighteen-hissecretcrowningofwhomhadgivensuchoffencetoThomasaBecket.RICHARD,agedsixteen;GEOFFREY,fifteen;andJOHN,hisfavourite,ayoungboywhomthecourtiersnamedLACKLAND,becausehehadnoinheritance,buttowhomtheKingmeanttogivetheLordshipofIreland.Allthesemisguidedboys,intheirturn,wereunnaturalsonstohim,andunnaturalbrotherstoeachother.PrinceHenry,stimulatedbytheFrenchKing,andbyhisbadmother,QueenEleanor,begantheundutifulhistory,First,hedemandedthathisyoungwife,MARGARET,theFrenchKing\'sdaughter,shouldbecrownedaswellashe.Hisfather,theKing,consented,anditwasdone.Itwasnosoonerdone,thanhedemandedtohaveapartofhisfather\'sdominions,duringhisfather\'slife.Thisbeingrefused,hemadeofffromhisfatherinthenight,withhisbadheartfullofbitterness,andtookrefugeattheFrenchKing\'sCourt.Withinadayortwo,hisbrothersRichardandGeoffreyfollowed.Theirmothertriedtojointhem-
escapinginman\'sclothes-butshewasseizedbyKingHenry\'smen,andimmuredinprison,whereshelay,deservedly,forsixteenyears.Everyday,however,somegraspingEnglishnoblemen,towhomtheKing\'sprotectionofhispeoplefromtheiravariceandoppressionhadgivenoffence,desertedhimandjoinedthePrinces.
EverydayheheardsomefreshintelligenceofthePrinceslevyingarmiesagainsthim;ofPrinceHenry\'swearingacrownbeforehisownambassadorsattheFrenchCourt,andbeingcalledtheJuniorKingofEngland;ofallthePrincesswearingnevertomakepeacewithhim,theirfather,withouttheconsentandapprovaloftheBaronsofFrance.But,withhisfortitudeandenergyunshaken,KingHenrymettheshockofthesedisasterswitharesolvedandcheerfulface.HecalleduponallRoyalfatherswhohadsons,tohelphim,forhiscausewastheirs;hehired,outofhisriches,twentythousandmentofightthefalseFrenchKing,whostirredhisownbloodagainsthim;andhecarriedonthewarwithsuchvigour,thatLouissoonproposedaconferencetotreatforpeace.
Theconferencewasheldbeneathanoldwide-spreadinggreenelm-
tree,uponaplaininFrance.Itledtonothing.Thewarrecommenced.PrinceRichardbeganhisfightingcareer,byleadinganarmyagainsthisfather;buthisfatherbeathimandhisarmyback;andthousandsofhismenwouldhaveruedthedayinwhichtheyfoughtinsuchawickedcause,hadnottheKingreceivednewsofaninvasionofEnglandbytheScots,andpromptlycomehomethroughagreatstormtorepressit.AndwhetherhereallybegantofearthathesufferedthesetroublesbecauseaBeckethadbeenmurdered;orwhetherhewishedtoriseinthefavourofthePope,whohadnowdeclaredaBeckettobeasaint,orinthefavourofhisownpeople,ofwhommanybelievedthatevenaBecket\'ssenselesstombcouldworkmiracles,Idon\'tknow:buttheKingnosoonerlandedinEnglandthanhewentstraighttoCanterbury;andwhenhecamewithinsightofthedistantCathedral,hedismountedfromhishorse,tookoffhisshoes,andwalkedwithbareandbleedingfeettoaBecket\'sgrave.There,helaydownontheground,lamenting,inthepresenceofmanypeople;andby-and-byhewentintotheChapterHouse,and,removinghisclothesfromhisbackandshoulders,submittedhimselftobebeatenwithknottedcordsnotbeatenveryhard,IdaresaythoughbyeightyPriests,oneafteranother.ItchancedthatontheverydaywhentheKingmadethiscuriousexhibitionofhimself,acompletevictorywasobtainedovertheScots;whichverymuchdelightedthePriests,whosaidthatitwaswonbecauseofhisgreatexampleofrepentance.
ForthePriestsingeneralhadfoundout,sinceaBecket\'sdeath,thattheyadmiredhimofallthings-thoughtheyhadhatedhimverycordiallywhenhewasalive.
TheEarlofFlanders,whowasattheheadofthebaseconspiracyoftheKing\'sundutifulsonsandtheirforeignfriends,tooktheopportunityoftheKingbeingthusemployedathome,tolaysiegetoRouen,thecapitalofNormandy.ButtheKing,whowasextraordinarilyquickandactiveinallhismovements,wasatRouen,too,beforeitwassupposedpossiblethathecouldhaveleftEngland;andtherehesodefeatedthesaidEarlofFlanders,thattheconspiratorsproposedpeace,andhisbadsonsHenryandGeoffreysubmitted.Richardresistedforsixweeks;but,beingbeatenoutofcastleaftercastle,heatlastsubmittedtoo,andhisfatherforgavehim.
Toforgivetheseunworthyprinceswasonlytoaffordthembreathing-timefornewfaithlessness.Theyweresofalse,disloyal,anddishonourable,thattheywerenomoretobetrustedthancommonthieves.Intheverynextyear,PrinceHenryrebelledagain,andwasagainforgiven.Ineightyearsmore,PrinceRichardrebelledagainsthiselderbrother;andPrinceGeoffreyinfamouslysaidthatthebrotherscouldneveragreewelltogether,unlesstheywereunitedagainsttheirfather.IntheverynextyearaftertheirreconciliationbytheKing,PrinceHenryagainrebelledagainsthisfather;andagainsubmitted,swearingtobetrue;andwasagainforgiven;andagainrebelledwithGeoffrey.
ButtheendofthisperfidiousPrincewascome.HefellsickataFrenchtown;andhisconscienceterriblyreproachinghimwithhisbaseness,hesentmessengerstotheKinghisfather,imploringhimtocomeandseehim,andtoforgivehimforthelasttimeonhisbedofdeath.ThegenerousKing,whohadaroyalandforgivingmindtowardshischildrenalways,wouldhavegone;butthisPrincehadbeensounnatural,thatthenoblemenabouttheKingsuspectedtreachery,andrepresentedtohimthathecouldnotsafelytrusthislifewithsuchatraitor,thoughhisowneldestson.ThereforetheKingsenthimaringfromoffhisfingerasatokenofforgiveness;andwhenthePrincehadkissedit,withmuchgriefandmanytears,andhadconfessedtothosearoundhimhowbad,andwicked,andundutifulasonhehadbeen;hesaidtotheattendantPriests:\'O,tiearopeaboutmybody,anddrawmeoutofbed,andlaymedownuponabedofashes,thatImaydiewithprayerstoGodinarepentantmanner!\'Andsohedied,attwenty-sevenyearsold.