27. Elphege.
ELphege was borne of great parentage, and spent his [ 1006] yoonger yéeres in the monasterie of Hirst, where he first entred into religion. Departing thence, he gaue him∣selfe to a very strait kinde of life at Bathe, and was so much admired for the same (the rather because he was a gentleman of great linage) as many went about to imitate him, and ioy∣ning themselues to him, made him their gouernour by the name of an abbot. Hauing liued so a certaine space, he was called to the Bishopricke of Winchester the yéere 984. There he continued twelue yeeres, and the yéere 1006. was remoo∣ued to Canterbury. He was a man of woonderfnll abstinence, neuer eating, drinking or sleeping more then necessitie com∣pelled him, spending his time altogether either in praier, stu∣dy or other necessary businesse. So that what with preaching and example of holy life he conuerted many vnto Christ. The yéere 1012. it happened the Danes to be disappointed of cer∣taine tribute which they claimed as due vnto them: For want whereof they spoiled and burnt the citie and church of Canterbury. The monks and people thereof, men, women and children they tithed, putting nine to the sword, and let∣ting go a tenth onely: So for 804. that were suffered to es∣cape, 7236. went to the pot. As for the Archbishop, they kept him in prison seuen monethes, and at last put him to death at Gréenwich. The vengeance of God suffered not these cruell hell-hounds to escape vnpunished: By sundry kindes of mis∣fortune they were little and little in a manner all consumed very shortly after: The body of Elphege was first buried in Saint Paules church in London, afterward carried to Can∣terbury, by the commandement of king Knute and there en∣terred.