[54] Dr. Lingard supposes that Becket demanded that the customs should be reduced to writing. This seems quite contrary to his policy; and Edward Grim writes thus: "Nam domestici regis, dato consentiente consilio, securem fecerant archepiscopum, quod _nunquam scriberentur_ leges, nunquam illarum fieret recordatio, si eum verbo tantum in audientiâ procerum honorâsset," &c.--P. 31. [55] See the letter of Gilbert Foliot, of which I do not doubt the authenticity. [56] According to the Cottonian copy, published by Lord Lyttelton, Constitutions xii. xv. iv. [57] Constitution iii. [58] Constitutions i. and ii. [59] Constitution vii., somewhat limited and explained by x. [60] Herbert de Bosham. "Caute quidam non de plano negat, sed differendum dicebat adhuc." [61] "Superbus et vanus, de pastore avium factus sum pastor ovium; dudum fautor histrionum et eorum sectator tot animarum pastor."--De Bosham, p. 126. [62] Read the Epistles, apud Giles, v. iv. 1, 3, Bouquet, xvi. 210, to judge of the skillful steering and difficulties of the Pope. There is a very curious letter of an emissary of Becket, describing the death of the Antipope (he died at Lucca, April 21). The canons of San Frediano, in Lucca, refused to bury him, because he was already "buried in hell." The writer announces that the Emperor also was ill, that the Empress had miscarried, and that therefore all France adhered with greater devotion to Alexander; _and the Legatine commission to the Archbishop of York had expired without hope of recovery_. The writer ventures, however, to suggest to Becket to conduct himself with modesty; to seek rather than avoid intercourse with the king.--Apud Giles, iv. 240; Bouquet, p. 210. See also the letter of John, Bishop of Poitiers, who says of the Pope, "Gravi redimit poenitentiâ, illam qualem qualem quam Eboracensi (fecerit), concessionem."--Bouquet, p. 214. [63] I follow De Bosham. Fitz-Stephen says that he was repelled from the gates of the king's palace at Woodstock; and that he _afterwards_ went to Romney to attempt to cross the sea. [64] "Quievisset ille, si non acquievissent illi."--Becket, Epist. ii. p. 5. Compare the whole letter. [65] He had been sworn not on the Gospels, but on a troplogium, a book of church music. [66] Goods and chattels at the king's mercy were redeemable at a customary fine: this fine, according to the customs of Kent, would have been larger than according to those of London.--Fitz-Stephen. [67] "Minus fore malum verenda patris detecta deridere, quam patris ipsius personam judicare."--De Bosham, p. 135. [68] Fitz-Stephen states this demand at 500 marks, and a second 500 for which a bond had been given to a Jew.