As Wulf had hoped, the letter
was answered by the prior in person, and to him Wulf related that evening
the incidents of their stay in Normandy.
The prior shook his head.
"I have feared ever since I heard that Harold had fallen into the clutches
of the duke, that he would never get off scot free, but would either have
to pay a heavy ransom or make some concessions that would be even worse for
England. It is a bad business, Wulf, a bad business. The church has ever
been ready to grant absolution from oaths extracted by violence, but this
affair of the relics makes it more serious, and you may be sure that
William will make the most of the advantage he has gained. Harold is
absolutely powerless to fulfil his oath. Neither he nor the king, nor any
other man, can force a foreign monarch upon free England. And did Harold
declare for the Duke of Normandy, powerful and beloved as he is, he would
be driven into exile instantly. If he himself is elected king by the
people, as there is no doubt whatever will be the case, he must needs obey
their voice, and will have no choice between being King of England or an
exile. Still it is unfortunate. He will be branded as a perjurer William's
influence may even induce the pope to excommunicate him, and although the
ban would go for but little here, it would serve as an excuse for the other
great earls to refuse to submit to his authority. Now tell me, how is it
that you have to ride again so suddenly when but just arrived?"
"I can tell you, father, though I can tell no one else.
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