are now viewing our behavior." Then returning to his attendants, he
observed: "I find the Archbishop in the best disposition toward me:
were I otherwise toward him, I should be the worst of men." Becket
followed him, and by the mouth of the Archbishop of Sens presented his
petition. He prayed that the King would graciously admit him to the
royal favor, would grant peace and security to him and his, would
restore the possessions of the See of Canterbury, and would, in his
mercy, make amends to that Church for the injury it had sustained in
the late coronation of his son. In return he promised him love, honor,
and every service which an archbishop could render in the Lord to his
king and his sovereign. To these demands Henry assented: they again
conversed apart for a considerable time; and at their separation it
was mutually understood that the Archbishop, after he had arranged his
affairs in France, should return to the court, and remain there for
some days, that the public might be convinced of the renewal and
solidity of their friendship.

If Henry felt as he pretended, his conduct in this interview will
deserve the praise of magnanimity, but his skill in the art of
dissimulation may fairly justify a suspicion of his sincerity. The man
who that very morning had again bound himself by oath in the presence
of his courtiers to refuse the kiss of peace, could not be animated
with very friendly sentiments toward the Archbishop; and the mind of
that prelate, though his hopes suggested brighter prospects, was still
darkened with doubt and perplexity. Months were suffered to elapse
before the royal engagements were executed; and when at last, with the
terrors of another interdict hanging over his head (November 12th),
the King restored the archiepiscopal lands, the rents had been
previously levied, the corn and cattle had been carried off, and the
buildings were left in a dilapidated state.