A.D . 1108.] rHMTENCK OF BISHOP HUGH. 17! other hind of correction, unless he died in the habit of those whom, under the influence of the. devil, he had, as long as ho was able, persecuted, reduced to beggary, and, in his hatred, injured in every possible way. After this confession, he besought the abbat of Bee, who was standing by him amongst the rest, out of charity, and to the shame of the. devil, to grant him the habit of a monk, that he might have as protectors in the life to come those whom he had persecuted in this. After this was granted him, he gave all he possessed in gold and silver, jewels, and precious vessels, to religious houses and to the poor, and thus died more happily than was expected amidst the hopes and tears of those who stood round. Of the restoration of the. conventual church at Coventry, and the expulsion of the priests. There was at this time staying at the court of Home a certain monk of the convent at Coventry named Thomas, who had been with the rest of his brethren expelled, as has been mentioned above, by the before-named bishop, and who was endeavouring by the authority of the supreme pontili'to [dace again in their former condition the monks who were dispersed in all directions ; some of his brethren had died, some had left the court weary and impoverished, he alone persevering in the matter, although on account of his poverty lie was often obliged to beg his bread ; but, having heard the wished-for news of the death of the bishop of Coventry, his heart was elated in the Cord, who shows his goodness to those who trust in him and persevere in well-doing. One day when the newly created pope Innocent was sitting in council with his cardinals, the aforesaid monk suddenly burst into the midst of them, and held out to the pope a petition setting forth his business ; the latter, after lie had read it, replied to the hasty monk, " Brother, has not this petition been often, in my sight and hearing, refused by our predecessors Clement and Celestine; and do you think, if yon could not overreach them, to do so with me as if I were foolish ?" and added with anger, " Depart, brother, depart, for you certainly wait here to no purpose." But the monk hearing these words, replied with bitter tears, saying. " Holy father, my petition is just, and altogether honourable, and therefore