e said it was now his duty to
attend, and therefore, and for no other reason, he would go.

There was a near way between his Palace and the Cathedral, by some
beautiful old cloisters which you may yet see. He went into the
Cathedral, without any hurry, and having the Cross carried before him as
usual. When he was safely there, his servants would have fastened the
door, but he said NO! it was the house of God and not a fortress.

As he spoke, the shadow of Reginald Fitzurse appeared in the Cathedral
doorway, darkening the little light there was outside, on the dark winter
evening. This knight said, in a strong voice, 'Follow me, loyal servants
of the King!' The rattle of the armour of the other knights echoed
through the Cathedral, as they came clashing in.

It was so dark, in the lofty aisles and among the stately pillars of the
church, and there were so many hiding-places in the crypt below and in
the narrow passages above, that Thomas a Becket might even at that pass
have saved himself if he would. But he would not. He told the monks
resolutely that he would not. And though they all dispersed and left him
there with no other follower than EDWARD GRYME, his faithful
cross-bearer, he was as firm then, as ever he had been in his life.

The knights came on, through the darkness, making a terrible noise with
their armed tread upon the stone pavement of the church. 'Where is the
traitor?' they cried out. He made no answer. But when they cried,
'Where is the Archbishop?' he said proudly, 'I am here!' and came out of
the shade and stood before them.

The knights had no desire to kill him, if they could rid the King and
themselves of him by any other means. They told him he must either fly
or go with them. He said he would do neither; and he threw William Tracy
off with such force when he took hold of his sleeve, that Tracy reeled
again. By his reproaches and his steadiness, he so incensed them, and
exasperated their fierce humour, that Reginald Fitzurse, whom he called
by an ill name, said, 'Then die!' and struck at his head. But the
faithful Edward Gryme put out his arm, and there received the main force
of the blow, so that it only made his master bleed. Another voice from
among the knights again called to Thomas a Becket to fly; but, with his
blood running down his face, and his hands clasped, and his head bent, he
commanded himself to God, and stood firm. Then they cruelly killed him
close to the altar