[Sidenote: _Eadmerus._ The kings demand to Anselme.] Againe,
by reason of the schisme, & for the displeasure that he bare pope
Urban, he asked Anselme of which pope he would require his pall, sith
he was so hastie to go to Rome for it. Wherto Anselme answered, that
he would require it of pope Urban. Which words when the king had
heard, he said, I haue not as yet admitted him pope: adding further
that it was against the custome vsed either in his or his fathers
time, that anie man within the realme of England should name or obeie
anie man for pope, without the kings licence and consent, saieng
moreouer, that if the said Anselme would seeke to take that
prerogatiue and dignitie from him, it should be all one, as if he
should go about to take awaie from him his crowne, and all other
roiall dignitie. Wherevnto Anselme answered, that at Rochester (before
he was consecrated bishop) he had declared his mind therein, and that
beeing abbat of Bechellouin in Normandie, he had receiued Urban for
pope; so that whatsoeuer chanced, he might reuolt from his obedience
and subiection.
The king beeing the more kindled herewith, protested in plaine words,
that Anselme could not keepe his faith and allegiance towards him, and
his obedience also to the see of Rome, against his will and pleasure.
[Sidenote: A councell at Rockingham in Rutlandshire.] But (to
conclude) this matter went so far in controuersie betwixt the king and
the bishop, that a councell was called at Rockingham in Rutlandshire,
and there in the church within the castell, the matter was earnestlie
decided, and much adoo on euerie side, to haue constreined Anselme to
renounce his opinion, but he would not.
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