But afterwards recanting his own act, renounced the same. Let not there∣fore
the crime of inconstancy, be laid too heavily to the charge of Arch-Bishop
Cranmer, first subscribing, then revoking popish articles presented un∣to
him: seeing this his name-sake Thomas, and predecessor, Becket, without
any stain to his Saintship, retracted his own act, upon pretence of better in∣formation.
But so highly was Becket offended with himself for his subscripti∣on,
that, in revenge, for some moneths, he suspended himself from all Di∣vine
Service (his pride, and laziness, both before, and after, suspended him
from ever preaching) and would not be present thereat. Hereafter let none
hope for more favour from this Arch-Bishop, then their fact may deserve;
seeing he cannot rationally be expected to be courteous to others, who was
so severe unto himself. The best was, in this his suspension, the knot was
not tied so hard, as to hurt him; who, in case of necessity, as he had bound,
so he could loose himself: though, for the more state of the matter, Pope
Alexander himself was pleased solemnly to assoil him from his suspension.
Mean time Becket, both in his suspension, and absolution, most highly offend∣ed
King Henry, who every day the more was alienated from, and incensed
against him.
61. During Beckets abode about Clarendon, he is reported every morn∣ing
to have walk'd, from his lodging, some miles, to the Kings Palace.
Where the ground (say they) called Beckets path, at this day presenteth it
self to the eyes of the beholders (but most quick-sighted, if looking through
Popish spectacles) with the grass, and grain growing thereon, in a different
hew, and colour from the rest. A thing having in it more of report, then truth;
yet more of truth then wonder: the discolourations of such veins of earth
being common in grounds elsewhere, which never had the happiness of Becket
his feet to go upon them.
62. But oh! If Becket's feet had left but the like impression in all the
wayes he went, how easie had it been for all mens eyes, and particularly
for our pen, to have track'd him in all his travels? Who, not long after,
without the consent of the King, took Ship, sail'd into Flanders, thence tra∣velled
into the Southern parts of France, thence to Pontiniack, thence to Senes,
abiding seven years in banishment. But, though he served an apprentiship
in exile, he learned little humility thereby, onely altering his name (for
his more safety) from Becket to Derman; but retaining all his old nature,
remitting nothing of his rigid resolutions.
63. Now, to avoid idleness, Becket, in his banishment, variously em∣ployed
himself. First, in making, and widening breaches, between Henry
his native Soveraign, and Lewis the French King. Secondly, in writing ma∣ny
voluminous letters of expostulation to Princes, and Prelates. Thirdly,
in letting flie his heavy excommunications against the English Clergie;
namely, against Roger, Arch-Bishop of York; Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of Lon∣don
(a learneder man them himself;) Joceline, Bishop of Sarisbury, and
others. His chief quarrel with them, was their adherence to the King; and
particularly, because the Arch-Bishop presumed to Crown Henry the King's
Son (made joynt-King in the life of his Father) a priviledge which Becket
claimed, as proper to himself alone. Fourthly, in receiving comfort from,
and returning it to Pope Alexander at Beneventum in Italy. Sameness of af∣fliction
bred sympathy of affection betwixt them, both being banished; the
Pope by Frederick Barbarossa, the Emperour, for his pride and insolency: as
our Becket smarted for the same fault, from King Henry. Here also Becket
solemnly resigned his Arch-Bishoprick to the Pope, as troubled in con∣science,
that he had formerly took it as illegally from the King, and the
Pope again restored it to him, whereby all scruples in his minde were fully
satisfied.
64. But afterwards by mediation of friends, Becket's reconciliation was
wrought, and leave given him to return into England. However the King