Fair Rosamond, Or, the Days of King Henry II; An Historical Romance Volume 3

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: …huzzas which sounded far and wide over the distant valleys. Becket was mounted on a beautiful steed, which pranced proudly along, as if conscious that it bore the burthen on which all eyes were rivetted; and had it not been for the excellent horsemanship of the Primate, many a poor Saxon would have been trampled under his hoofs as they endeavoured to touch the noble animal. Beside Becket rode John of Oxford,–a prelate in high favour with Henry, and sent as a safeconduct by the monarch with the Primate;–behind them came the faithful Gryme, who was followed by several other monks of his order. The procession had by this time gained a picturesque turning of the road; by the side of which opened another path: its entrance was occupied by a party of horsemen. The foremost part of the mob passed on without regarding the group; but no sooner did Becket ride up, than two of the foremost horsemen rode out, and drew up their reins before him, as if to oppose his further progress. They were backed up by their companions, and the whole of them, hemmed in by the mob,–whose shouts of ” Cut down the enemies of Christ!” ” hew to pieces the limbs of the traitors!” etc.–pre vented the words of the foremost rider from being heard. ” Silence!” exclaimed the Archbishop; ” hold your peace, I pray you, that we may hear and reply to these people.–Ranulph de Broc,” continued he, addressing the horseman who had thus suddenly confronted him; ” what is thy will with me? or why hast thou dared to impede my progress V ” Why hast thou excommunicated the bishops? enquired the knight, undaunted by the menaces of the mob; ” and art marching through the land with these rebellious serfs around thee, withdrawing them from the labour and lash to which they were born?…