ar tale from Essex; but enough of such fables.

When he left Huntingdon the bishop went on to St. Albans, seemingly in a
leisurely way, and as he drew near to this place, he met a crowd of
provost's men dragging a condemned thief to the gallows. The poor
creature's arms were braced behind his back. The word went round quickly
that it was Hugh of Lincoln, and there was the usual rush to beg for his
blessing, police craft and piety being wedded in those officers. The
captive by some acrobatics managed to rush too, and came against the
horse's neck, was knocked down, and in the dust cried for mercy. The
bishop drew rein and asked who the man was and what he wanted. His
attendants, who knew the language, answered him, "It is not your part,
my lord, to ask more about the fellow. Indeed, you must let him just
pass." They feared lest the bishop, already in deep water, should fall
into still deeper by some chivalrous audacity. But he would know the
tale and why the man cried him mercy: and when he knew it, he cried,
"Lackaday! God be blessed!" and turning to the hangmen, he said, "Come
back, my sons, with us to St. Albans. Hand the man over to us, and tell
your masters and the judges that we have taken him from you. We will see
that you take no harm." They did not dare to resist, but gave up their
victim. He was quickly untied and given to the almoner. When they
reached the abbey the clergy and attendant came to the bishop and begged
him most earnestly to allow the civil magistrates to do their office.
"Up till now, my lord, neither the king nor any other man who lay in
wait for you, could bring a just or a just-seeming charge against you.
But if when the legal judges have passed sentence and handed the case to
the executive, you quash that sentence by your pontifical authority,
your ill-wishers will call it a blow against the king's crown, and you
will fall into the condemnation of flat treason." "I am assured of your
kindness," he answered; "but let these judges come in to us and you
shall hear what we have to say to each other." The judges were already
tapping at the doors, for a word with the audacious bishop. "Gentlemen,
you are wise enough to know that your holy Mother the Church has
everywhere this prerogative: all who are falling into any danger of
condemnation and fly to her, may get freedom, and be kept unhurt." This
they well knew and believed to be quite right. "If you know this, you
ought to know that where the bish