[1] [2] [3] In the feast of Pentecost next insuing, the king returned from Normandie, and held his court at London, where after the solemnitie of that feast, he called an assemblie of the bishops, to vnderstand what was to be doone in the matter, for the consecration of the archbishop of Yorke. Here were the letters shewed which the archbishop Anselme had (a little be|fore his death) directed vnto euerie of the bishops as before yee haue heard.The earle of Mellent. Which when the earle of Mel|lent had read, and vnderstood the effect, he asked what he was that durst receiue any such letters without the kings assent and commandement? At length the bishops aduising themselues what they had to doo, re|quired Samson bishop of Worcester to declare his opinion,Samson bi|shop of Wor|cester. who boldlie spake these words;

Although this man, who is elected archbishop, is my sonne, whome in times past I begot of my wife, and therfore ought to seeke his aduancement as nature and worldlie re|spects might mooue me: yet am I more bound vnto the church of Canturburie, my mother, which hath preferred me to this honor that I doo beare, and by the ministerie of a bishoplike office hath made me partaker of that grace, which it hath deserued to en|ioy of the Lord. Wherefore I would it should be no|tified vnto you all, that I meane to obeie in euerie condition the commandement conteined in the let|ters of our father Anselme concerning the matter which you haue now in hand. For I will neuer giue mine assent, that Thomas nominated archbishop of Yorke shall be consecrated, till he haue professed his due and canonicall obedience touching his subiecti|on to the church of Canturburie.Looke in pa. 9. in both co|lumns, where you shall sée this matter determined. For I my selfe was present when my brother Thomas archbishop of Yorke, constreined both by ancient customes and in|uincible reasons, did professe the like subiection vnto archbishop Lanfranke, and all his successours the archbishops of Canturburie.