Henry--for we must now return to the direct string of our story--was momentarily paralyzed at the news of the martyrdom. He saw how the blame was sure to fall upon him, and how all his enemies would sooner or later take the opportunity to overwhelm him. Immediately, therefore, he sent envoys to Rome to promise any terms whatever for acquittal or absolution. Whilst this negotiation was pending, knowing that the legates, for whom Lewis, before the death of Becket, had applied, were on their way to Normandy, and would not scruple to exert the utmost of their power against him, he organized an expedition to Ireland, which for the last sixteen years had been his by papal grant, and for the last four had been undergoing the process of conquest in the hands of Richard de Clare, surnamed Strongbow. In Ireland he stayed from the autumn of 1171 to the Easter of 1172, receiving the submission of kings and bishops, and really keeping out of the way of the hostile legates: awaiting the arrival of the friendly legates who were coming to absolve him. [Sidenote: Character of the Court of Rome. ] Now, no doubt it appears strange that the Court of Rome should at this same moment be pouring out both sweet water and bitter; that the supreme judge on earth should send forth a legation to put Henry’s dominions under interdict for one act and directly after send another to absolve him for what seems a more heinous one. It must, however, be remembered that in this the papal court was rather acting as a great tribunal of international arbitration than as the council of a Christian bishop. The Court of Rome was a great legal machine, the disadvantages of which are manifest at first sight, but the benefit of which in a warlike age can scarcely be overrated, although less obvious at a glance. A very severe judgment may perhaps be allowable, as to the assumptions and arrogance and unrighteousness of the papacy in taking the office of international arbitration; but judged by its results it was for the time a great public benefit, for it stopped and hindered the constant appeals to war. Thus viewed the Court of Rome was as open for suitors as any simple court of justice: an applicant who wanted legal redress applied for a commission of inquiry or a legation. In so doing he brought the usual means to bear on the papal officials, who no doubt found it to their interest to keep their minds always open to hear both sides, and to keep their purses also open to receive the contributions of all sides in each suit, and thus maintain the wealth and power of the court itself. It is not to be denied that, however arrived at, the decisions ultimately given were in most cases fair and just. [Sidenote: Henry’s penitence and absolution, 1172. ] [Sidenote: Second coronation of the heir. ]