"
All the thanes were waiting to hear the bishop's answer to our request,
and I told them this, and they knew at once what answer to give, for
they said, or Osric said for them, while all applauded:
"We will not go against these heathens unless the bishop leads us. Else
must Somerset fight her own battles."
So with that word I went back to the bishop, and told him.
"So, Tatwine, my brother, you see how it is. Needs must that I go, else
were it shame to us that heathen men should have freedom in a Christian
land."
But Tatwine groaned, and, maybe knowing the bishop well, said no more.
Then Ealhstan bade him remember all the saints who had warred against
the heathen, and were held blameless--nay, rather, the holier.
"Therefore," said he, "I am in good company, and will surely go."
Whereupon Tatwine rose up and went out, saying that he should go to the
abbey and seek protection for the bishop, and men say he bided there
almost night and day, praying until all was past. Certainly I saw him no
more in his accustomed places, save at mass.
When he had gone the bishop smiled a little, looking after him, and then
spoke to us.
"I may tell my council that this is what I should love. Nevertheless, it
will not be I who lead, but you three.
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