Dare thy last iniquity, and
slay the servants of St. Peter on St. Peter's altar, with thy worthy
comrades, the heathen Saracens [Footnote: The Danes were continually
mistaken, by Norman churchmen, for Saracens, and the Saracens considered
to be idolaters. A maumee, or idol, means a Mahomet.], and set up Mahound
with them in the holy place."
Hereward laughed so jolly a laugh, that the Prior was taken aback.
"Slay St. Peter's rats? I kill men, not monks. There shall not a hair of
your head be touched. Here! Hereward's men! march these traitors and
their French Prior safe out of the walls, and into Milton Woods, to look
after their poor corrodiers, and comfort their souls, after they have
ruined their bodies by their treason!"
"Out of this place I stir not. Here I am, and here I will live or die, as
St. Peter shall send aid."
But as he spoke, he was precipitated rudely forward, and hurried almost
into Hereward's arms. The whole body of monks, when they heard Hereward's
words, cared to hear no more, but desperate between fear and joy, rushed
forward, bearing away their Prior in the midst.
"So go the rats out of Peterborough, and so is my dream fulfilled. Now for
the treasure, and then to Ely."
But Herluin burst himself clear of the frantic mob of monks, and turned
back on Hereward.
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