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ceive any duty, tax, tribute, or farthing, and that none claim any service of any kind from the abbacy of Medeshamstede. I command also that the Bishop of the Shire presume not to perform either ordination or consecration within this abbacy, unless the Abbot desire it of him ; neither may he claim any bishop's or synod's fine, nor receive therefrom any returns of any kind. I will also that the Abbot be held as the Legate of Rome over all the island, and that whosoever may be chosen by the monks be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I will and enact, if any man have made a vow to go to Rome, which he may not be able to perform, either from sickness, from his Lord's need of him, from poverty, or from any other cause, that he, be he of England or of any other island, repair to the monastery of Medeshamstede, and he shall receive the same absolution from Christ and St. Peter, from the Abbot and from the Monks, that he would have if he went to Rome. Now I desire thee, brother Theodore, that thou cause it to be proclaimed throughout England, that a synod be assembled, and that this letter be read and observed. I say also to thee. Bishop Saxulf, that as thou desirest that this monastery should be free, so I forbid thee, and all Bishops sent of
