64, 66.] [***** Eadmer, p.65.

W.Malms, p.

225] Anselm's two messengers, who were monks, affirmed to him that it was impossible this story could have any foundation; but their word was not deemed equal to that of three bishops; and the king, as if he had finally gained his cause, proceeded to fill the sees of Hereford and Salisbury, and to invest the new bishops in the usual manner.[*] But Anselm, who, as he had good reason, gave no credit to the asseveration of the king's messengers, refused not only to consecrate them, but even to communicate with them; and the bishops' themselves, finding how odious they were become, returned to Henry the ensigns of their dignity.
The quarrel every day increased between the king and the primate.

The former, notwithstanding the prudence and moderation of his temper, threw out menaces against such as should pretend to oppose him in exerting the ancient prerogatives of his crown; and Anselm, sensible of his own dangerous situation, desired leave to make a journey to Rome, in order to lay the case before the sovereign pontiff.

Henry, well pleased to rid himself without violence of so inflexible an antagonist, readily granted him permission.