LIFE AND TIMES OF THOMAS BECKET: 145 
train, with Becket’s own temper in him, thundered 
out as the abbot had ended: ‘Thus saith the Lord 
Primate, “Let man so think of us as ministers of 
Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.‘ If 
Justice be not done as right demands, ye need not 
doubt that we will do our part and use the powers 
which God has committed to us.”” The fierce 
menace was delivered amidst frowning groups of 
knights and nobles. Hot youths clenched their fists 
and clutched their dagger-hilts. A courtier told the 
bold priest that but for the honour of the king’s 
presence he should suffer for his insolence. Sir 
Reginald de Warenne, who was present, said, ‘The 
bows are bent on both sides.” The Earl of Cornwall, 
fresh from his conference with Becket’s secret 
Messenger, muttered, ‘ Ere Lent there will be wild 
work in England,’ 
THE story now turns to Henry’s court in Normandy. 
Between Southampton and the Norman coast com- 
Munications were easy and rapid; and the account 
of the arrival of the censured bishops, with che 
indignant words which burst f.om he kine