I knew of his marriage, and felt sure whom he wanted to destroy;
but I dared not show myself at home. At length an incurable disease
seized me, and I determined to unburden my conscience, and dragged
myself here, only to learn that the sweet lady of Aescendune had
died within the year, with all the symptoms of rapid decline, and
upon my sod I charge Hugo de Malville with the murder.
Given in the infirmary of the house of St. Wilfred, in the month of
May, 1068.
This dying confession was made in our hearing this day.
Elphege, Prior.
Ceadda, Sub-Prior,
Tuesday in Oct., Asc., in the year of grace, 1068.
After a moment's silence, Odo of Bayeux, the Conqueror's half
brother, and a hateful oppressor of the poor English, rose up:
"This letter does not afford any absolute proof of the guilt of our
departed brother in arms, Hugo of Aescendune. He may have bought
the liquid; there is no proof he administered it--people die of
decline daily."
"May I produce and question a witness before the court," said
Geoffrey, "in the absence of the prisoner?"
"Certainly," replied William.
A signal was given to an expectant usher of the court. Wilfred was
led out, and in a few moments two wardens entered in charge of
another prisoner.
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