Page:The Queens of England.djvu/26

 16 THE QUEENS OF ENGLAND. did not despair, and the steadiness with which he pursued his project, in spite of all hindrances and discouragement, proves that it was with him more than a matter of state policy. All the desire in the world to conciliate the Saxons would never have led him to measures which placed him in peril of excom- munication, had his heart not been interested in the union for which he risked so much. In spite of all that wiser heads could do to prevent him, the young king determined on calling a council or synod of all the ecclesiastical authorities in the kingdom. These dig- nitaries assembled at Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop Anselm being at their head. They deliberated for many days, and at last resolved on summoning the Princess Matilda herself, that she might by her own confession decide her own cause. It was a bold step, even in those days, to call a princess of the blood to witness before such an assembly, and on such a sub- ject, in which she must either vow herself for life to the cloister, resigning the high destiny that lay at her very feet, or give the lie to her nearest relation, a woman whom all regarded with the respect due to her ancestry and office, if not exacted by her character. Well might the royal maiden tremble and shrink when she stood before the priestly con- clave. But the spirit of her fearless Scottish ancestors was within her, and Matilda gave her answers with firmness and dignity, befitting her womanly nature no less than her exalted rank. The first question was asked by Anselm — it was the plain, straightforward inquiry, whether she were a nun or - not. Matilda replied, decisively and without hesitation, "No!" This explicit denial was not sufficient to satisfy the priests, and some of them, with a pertinacity that seemed very like insult, after her declaration, inquired whether she had taken the veil by the enforcement of her parents, or by her own free will. "By neither ! — since I have not taken it at all," answered the princess. Again she was questioned as to whether she had not worn the black veil of a nun both in Scotland and at Romsey. This fact Matilda neither could nor would deny, but with a naive simplicity that shows how completely the recluse of Romsey had preserved her girlish feelings, she told the story of her aunt Christina having sent her into King Malcolm's presence wearing a veil, and his great anger ; and how the abbess had