CHAPTER 57: The return crossing [705]
CHAPTER 57
The return crossing [705]
WHILE the brethren were rejoicing heartily at his recovery, our holy father washed his hands and face and took a little food and then like Jonathan ‘his eyes were enlightened’ and he revived.2 They set out a few days later when he was back to his full strength, reached and crossed the breadth of the ocean and found safe harbour, by God’s help, on the coast of Kent. Wilfrid’s messengers sought out Archbishop Berhtwald and conferred with him. Peaceful relations were restored. The papal brief commanding obedience terrified him, so in fear and trembling he promised to mitigate the harsh decrees passed long ago by his own synod – a promise which turned out to be completely genuine. Wilfrid progressed joyfully westwards to London accompanied by a whole cortège of his abbots and laden with presents. From there he went on to visit that faithful friend whose loyalty had never wavered, Aethilred, the former king of Mercia. He was received with all the usual honours; they kissed and embraced and Aethilred was so overcome with joy that he could not restrain himself. He simply burst into tears. Wilfrid then formally greeted him in the name of the Holy See and respectfully presented the text of the papal bull properly stamped and sealed. As soon as the document had been opened and read, Aethilred prostrated himself on the ground in token of obedience.
‘Never in all my life shall I think lightly of one jot or tittle of this decree, nor shall I countenance those who do so. I shall do all in my power to enforce it. ’
This was no idle promise. Aethilred’s goodness will be rewarded above.
Not content with this, he summoned Coenred, whom he had appointed his heir, and made him swear, out of the love he bore him and in God’s name, to uphold the precepts of the Holy See. This Coenred willingly promised.