That ardent eye, that swift, onstriding step,
Yet graceful as a tiger’s, foot descending
Silent but sure on the predestinate spot—
From signs like these looks forth the inward man.
Expect grave news ere long.”
Excellent foils to Becket and to each other are Becket’s two fast friends, John of Salisbury and Herbert of Bosham. The contrast between the two is well drawn by themselves:
“John of Salisbury. Herbert, you jar me with your ceaseless triumphs,
And hope ‘gainst hope. You are like a gold leaf dropped
From grove immortal of the church triumphant
To mock our church in storm! For manners’ sake,