Yet it is a matter that is dear to my
heart that I shall seek from you all, if I may."
Then all the hall rang with voices that bade her ask what she would; and
she bowed and flushed red, and hesitated a little. Then she took heart
and spoke.
"It is but this," she said. "Let the poor Christian folk bide in peace;
and if teachers come from the south or from the north presently who will
speak of that faith, bear with them, I pray you, for they work no harm
indeed."
Almost was she weeping as she said this, and her white hands were
clasped tightly before her. But she looked bravely at the thanes, and
waited for the answer, though I think that she feared what it would be.
But an old thane rose up in his place, smiling, and he answered, "If you
had commanded us this, my queen, it would have been done. The Christian
folk, if there are any, shall have no hurt. I think that we had
forgotten the old days of trouble with them. Yet I hear that in Kent the
new faith, as it seems to us, is being taught, and that the king looks
on it with favour. It may be that here it will come also. For your sake
I will listen if a teacher comes to me."
The thanes thought little of this boon, and they all answered that it
was freely granted. But they said that it was no boon to give, and bade
her ask somewhat that was better.
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