h 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
head saying, "In the name of Christ and for the defence of his Church
I am ready to die." In this posture, turned toward his murderers,
without a groan and without a motion, he awaited a second stroke,
which threw him on his knees; the third laid him on the floor at the
foot of St. Bennet's altar. The upper part of his skull was broken in
pieces, and Hugh of Horsea, planting his foot on the Archbishop's
neck, with the point of his sword drew out the brains and strewed them
over the pavement![30]

Thus at the age of fifty-three perished this extraordinary man, a
martyr to what he deemed to be his duty, the preservation of the
immunities of the Church. The moment of his death was the triumph of
his cause. His personal virtues and exalted station, the dignity and
composure with which he met his fate, the sacredness of the place
where the murder was perpetrated, all contributed to inspire men with
horror for his enemies and veneration for his character. The advocates
of the "customs" were silenced. Those who had been eager to condemn,
were now the foremost to applaud, his conduct; and his bitterest foes
sought to remove from themselves the odium of having been his
persecutors. The cause of the Church again flourished: its liberties
seemed to derive new life and additional vigor from the blood of their
champion