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34 Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart.
this news was published, bringing much matter of grief to king
and country, a certain just, grey haired man, drawing conclusion
from a similar event, told me what I repeat here.
' In the time,' said he, ' of Henry the father of Edward, when
something
similar had been executed in ecclesiastical affairs
throughout the province, on pretext of aid to those who, resisting
the affection of beloved wives and children, had long before set
out to rescue the Holy Land from the Saracens, it happened that
Bishop Robert Grosstete of Lincoln, [a man] beloved of God, was
to perform solemn ordinations at Huntingdon during Lent. One
of the Minorite Order, who still survives greatly aged at Doncaster,
was present there, received ordination, witnessed the
course of events, and describes what took place in the following
manner.
* After mass was begun,' said he, *
and the bishop was seated
on his throne, he who had to read out the names of those who
were to be ordained and presented to the bishop, came forward
with the roll ; and whereas he was very slow in reading out the
list, the bishop leaned his head upon the side of the seat, and fell
asleep. Those, however, who were near him, bearing in mind
his
fasting and vigils, interpreted the prelate's repose as an omen ;
and it was manifest when he awoke how wakeful had been his
mind during sleep. For after the clergy had waited wondering
for some time longer, he was gently awakened by a certain
*
'
secretary, and, as he opened his eyes Eh, God ! he exclaimed,
'
what great evils has this extortion from the Church of God en-
tailed upon the Christians fighting with the Saracens for the rights
of God. For in my sleep I beheld the overthrow of the Chris-
tian host at Damietta and the plunder of treasure unjustly
collected.'
The confirmation of this oracle followed in a few months, when
the sad news arrived of the
slaughter of my lord J. Longspee and
others, whereof thou mayst read above. 1
Thus spake my informant : it is to be feared what may
happen to funds collected by such pillaging. Nevertheless, the
king did not abate the tax ; yea, he commanded that inquisition
be made, so that in whatsoever place, whether occupied by monks
or other persons, should be found hoards of gold or silver, brass,
1 See the Chronicle of the year 1 249, where the defeat and capture of S. Louis
is recorded. In that passage Longespee is called illustris comes de Longa Sfata.
Excuse for somnolence might have been found in the bishop's advanced age, he
being then in his 75th year.