CHAPTER 48: Wilfrid returns to Aethilred [c. 703]
CHAPTER 48
Wilfrid returns to Aethilred [c. 703]
AFTER these indecisive efforts the fruitless synod was dissolved by both sides and everyone went home. So, by God’s protection, His servant was freed from the hands of his enemies and returned unharmed to the faithful king Aethilred. Wilfrid recounted the whole bitter attack made by the bishops in the face of his, Aethilred’s, injunctions, and asked what sort of decrees he had made concerning the lands and privileges he had previously granted him. The king replied:
‘I have no intention of adding trouble to trouble by taking away the livelihood of the monks of St Peter’s Abbey. While I live, my former grant stands and on exactly the same conditions as, with God’s blessing, have hitherto prevailed, until such time as I shall send either messengers or messages with you to Rome to have these urgent affairs settled. And may I find salvation in seeking to do right.’
This answer gave them both cause for rejoicing. Then they parted, each to his own home.