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MURDER OF KIXG OSWIN. 35
succeeded in mustering a stronger body of auxiliaries
than he could bring into the field. So he took the
resolution of disbanding his men until a more favourable
opportunity should present itself, and retired to
a place of concealment near Gilling, in Richmondshire,
at the dwelling of a certain Hunwald, on whose
fidelity he placed the most implicit reliance. He was
accompanied by one faithful follower only. But he
relied upon a broken reed. Hunwald was faithless,
and betrayed to the Bernician king the place of
Oswin's refuge. Oswy found a ready tool in Ethelwin,
his steward, who made his way to Gilling and
there murdered the king of Deira and his faithful
companion.
The loss of Oswin to the Christians of Deira must
have seemed irreparable. His character, as drawn
by the hand of Bede, is one of singular beauty. He
describes him as a man of stately presence, of prepossessing
countenance and most winning manner ;
liberal and "open-handed to gentle and simple,"
he gained the affection of all who came into his
presence, and his many excellent qualities of mind
and heart were enhanced above all by his singular
humility. It was no wonder that Aidan loved him
as a son as well as revered him as a Christian ruler.
But his very excellence caused a sad foreboding in
Aidan's mind. With a sort of prophetic instinct he
said to a priest who asked him on one occasion why
his countenance was so sad and why the tears flowed
unbidden from his eyes, " It is because I know that
the king will not be long with us. I never knew one
so eminent for the grace of humility. Rely upon it