All the bravery and violence of his old knightly life seemed to revive in Thomas as he tossed back the threats and demands of his assailants.

"You are our prisoner," shouted Fitzurse, and the four knights seized him to drag him from the church.

"Do not touch me, Reginald," cried the Primate, "pander that you are, you owe me fealty"; and availing himself of his personal strength he shook him roughly off.

"Strike, strike," retorted Fitzurse, and blow after blow struck Thomas to the ground.

A retainer of Ranulf de Broc with the point of his sword scattered the Primate's brains on the ground.