onor,
and every service which an archbishop could render in the Lord to his
king and his sovereign. To these demands Henry assented: they again
conversed apart for a considerable time; and at their separation it
was mutually understood that the Archbishop, after he had arranged his
affairs in France, should return to the court, and remain there for
some days, that the public might be convinced of the renewal and
solidity of their friendship.

If Henry felt as he pretended, his conduct in this interview will
deserve the praise of magnanimity, but his skill in the art of
dissimulation may fairly justify a suspicion of his sincerity. The man
who that very morning had again bound himself by oath in the presence
of his courtiers to refuse the kiss of peace, could not be animated
with very friendly sentiments toward the Archbishop; and the mind of
that prelate, though his hopes suggested brighter prospects, was still
darkened with doubt and perplexity. Months were suffered to elapse
before the royal engagements were executed; and when at last, with the
terrors of another interdict hanging over his head (November 12th),
the King restored the archiepiscopal lands, the rents had been
previously levied, the corn and cattle had been carried off, and the
buildings were left in a dilapidated state.

The remonstrances of the Primate and his two visits to the court
obtained nothing but deceitful promises; his enemies publicly
threatened his life, and his friends harassed him with the most gloomy
presages; yet, as the road was at last open, he resolved to return to
his diocese, and at his departure wrote to the King an eloquent and
affecting letter. "It was my wish," he concludes, "to have waited on
you once more, but necessity compels me, in the lowly state to which I
am reduced, to revisit my afflicted church. I go, sir, with your
permission, perhaps to perish for its security, unless you protect me.
But whether I live, or die, yours I am, and yours I shall ever be in
the Lord. Whatever may befall me or mine, may the blessing of God rest
on you and your children." Henry had promised him money to pay his
debts and defray the expenses of his journey. Having waited for it in
vain, he borrowed three hundred pounds of the Archbishop of Rouen, and
set out in the company, or rather in the custody, of his ancient
enemy, John of Oxford.

Alexander, before he heard of the reconciliation at Freitville, had
issued letters of suspension or ex