WILLIAM RUFUS.

197

tliey said, was ap attempt to bely the Scripture,where it is affirmed, that no man can add a cubitto his stature ; and they declaimed against it withgreat vehemence , nay assembled some synods,who absolutely condemned it. But, such arethe strange contradictions in human nature!though the clergy , at that time, could overturnthrones , and had authority sufficient to send abovea million of men on their errand to the desarts ofAsia, they could never prevail against these long-pointed shoes : On the contrary, that caprice,contrary to all other modes , maintained itsground during several centuries ; and if the clergyhad not at last desisted from their persecution ofit, it might still have been the prevailing fashionin Europe.

But Anselm was more fortunate in decryingthe particular mode, which was the object ofhis aversion, and which probably had not takensuch fast hold of the affections of the people. Hepreached zealousty against the long hair and curledlocks, which were then fashionable among thecourtiers ; he refused the ashes on Afh-Wednefdayto those who were so accoutred ; and his autho-rity and eloquence had such influence, that theyoung men universally abandoned that ornament,and appeared in the cropt hair, which was recom-mended to them by the sermons of the primate.The noted historian of Anselm , who was alsohis companion and secretary, celebrates highlythrs effort of his zeal and piety ”,

tl a r,

v.

Z2

Eadmer, p, 2Z.