alone remained cool and collected, and neither in his tone nor gesture
betrayed the slightest symptom of apprehension. In this moment of
suspense the voices of the monks singing vespers in the choir struck
their ears; and it occurred to someone that the church was a place of
greater security than the palace. The Archbishop, though he hesitated,
was borne along by the pious importunity of his friends; but when he
heard the gates close behind him he instantly ordered them to be
reopened, saying that the temple of God was not to be fortified like a
castle.

He had passed through the north transept, and was ascending the steps
of the choir, when the knights with twelve companions, all in complete
armor, burst into the church. As it was almost dark, he might, if he
had pleased, have concealed himself among the crypts or under the
roof; but he turned to meet them, followed by Edward Grim, his
cross-bearer, the only one of his attendants who had not fled. To the
vociferations of Hugh of Horsea, a military subdeacon, "Where is the
traitor?" no answer was returned; but when Fitzurse asked, "Where is
the Archbishop?" he replied: "Here I am, the Archbishop, but no
traitor. Reginald, I have granted thee many favors. What is thy object
now? If you seek my life, I command you in the name of God not to
touch one of my people." When he was told that he must instantly
absolve the bishops he answered, "Till they offer satisfaction I will
not!"

"Then die!" exclaimed the assassin, aiming a blow at his head.

Grim interposed his arm, which was broken, but the force of the stroke
bore away the Primate's cap and wounded him on the crown. As he felt
the blood trickling down his face he joined his hands and bowed his