5. Walter de Constantijs.
* 1.1THe Sée of Lincolne continued then void after the death of the said Robert almost seuentéene yéeres; in so much as all men were of opinion there should neuer be any more Bishop there. A certaine conuert of Tame reputed a very holy man, and halfe a Prophet in regard of many things hée had strangely foretold, this man I say had giuen out, that the said Robert lately deceased should be the last Bishop of Lin∣colne. This prediction of his many men de••ided, when not long after the death of the Bishop before mentioned, they saw Geoffry king Henry the second his base sonne and Archdea∣con of Lincoln, elected vnto that See But he contenting him∣selfe with the large reuenues of that rich Bishopricke, neuer sought consecration, well knowing hee might so sheare the fleece, though he listed not to take the charge of feeding the sheepe. Seuen yeeres he reaped the fruits of that See by co∣lour of his election; and then by his fathers commandement r••signed all his in rest in the same, became an entire courtier for eight yeeres more, and at last returning to the church a∣gaine, became Archbishop of Yorke About the latter end of of the yeere 1183. when all men now assured themselues the Prophecy of that conuert of Tame must needs fall out true, Walter de Constantijs Archdeacon of Oxford, was elect and con••ecrate Bishop of Lincolne, by the Archbishop of Canter∣bury at Anton. ••e was very fearfull to accept of the election, thinking assuredly he might not liue to be Bishop, in regard of that vaine and false Prophecy before mentioned•• Being yet scarce warme in his seate, the Archbishopricke of Roan was offered vnto him, a place of much higher dignity, but of lesse Reuenues then Lincoln a great deale. See the power and force of ambition, that could prouoke this man, nota∣bly