28/40 The abbot earnestly refused the dignity, fell on his knees, wept, and entreated the king to change his purpose,[****] and when he found the prince obstinate in forcing the pastoral staff upon him, he kept his fist so fast clinched, that it required the utmost violence of the bystanders to open it, and force him to receive that ensign of spiritual dignity.[*****] [* Eadmer, p. 123.] [*** Eadmer, p.16.Chron.Sax.p. 198,] [**** Eadmer, p.17.Diceto, p. |