The archbishop pointed out that the reconciliation had taken place in public, and that Reginald himself had been present.
Reginald swore he had never been there, and had not heard of it. And at this the other knights broke in, swearing again and again, by God’s wounds, that they had borne with him far too long already.
Then Thomas reminded them of the insults and losses he had endured, especially at the hands of the De Brocs, since his return.
Hugh of Morville answered him that he had his remedy in the King’s Courts, and ought not to excommunicate men on his own authority.
“I shall wait for no man’s leave to do justice on any that wrong the Church and will not give satisfaction,” Thomas replied.
“What do you threaten us! Threats are too much!” cried Reginald FitzUrse.
Then the knights bit their gloves and angrily defied the archbishop.
Thomas told them that they could not intimidate him. “Once I went away like a timid priest; now I have returned, and I will never leave again. If I may do my office in peace, it is well: if I may not, God’s will be done.” Then he turned to remind them they had once sworn fealty to him when he was chancellor.
“We are the king’s men,” they shouted out, “and owe fealty to no one against the king!”
Bidding his servants keep the archbishop within the precincts on peril of their lives, the knights withdrew.