It was on this trying occasion that Henry displayed a greatness independent of all fortune.  For, beset by all the neighboring powers, opposed by his own children, betrayed by his wife, abandoned by one part of his subjects, uncertain of the rest, every part of his state rotten and suspicious, his magnanimity grew beneath the danger; and when all the ordinary resources failed, he found superior resources in his own courage, wisdom, and activity.  There were at that time dispersed over Europe bodies of mercenary troops, called Brabancons, composed of fugitives from different nations, men who were detached from any country, and who, by making war a perpetual trade, and passing from service to service, had acquired an experience and military knowledge uncommon in those days.  Henry took twenty thousand of these mercenaries into his service, and, as he paid them punctually, and kept them always in action, they served him with fidelity.  The Papal authority, so often subservient, so often prejudicial to his designs, he called to his assistance in a cause which did not misbecome it,—­the cause of a father attacked by his children.  This took off the ill impression left by Becket’s death, and kept the bishops firm in their allegiance.  Having taken his measures with judgment, he pursued the war in Normandy with vigor.  In this war his mercenaries had a great and visible advantage over the feudal armies of France:  the latter, not so useful while they remained in the field, entered it late in the summer, and commonly left it in forty days.  The King of France was forced to raise the siege of Verneuil, to evacuate Normandy, and agree to a truce.  Then, at the head of his victorious Brabancons, Henry marched into Brittany with an incredible expedition.  The rebellious army, astonished as much by the celerity of his march as the fury of his attack, was totally routed.  The principal towns and castles were reduced soon after.  The custody of the conquered country being lodged in faithful hands, he flew to the relief of England.  There his natural son Geoffrey, Bishop elect of Ely, faithful during the rebellion of all his legitimate offspring, steadily maintained his cause, though with forces much inferior to his zeal.  The king, before he entered into action, thought it expedient to perform his expiation at the tomb of Becket.  Hardly had he finished this ceremony, when the news arrived that the Scotch army was totally defeated, and their king made prisoner.  This victory was universally attributed to the prayers of Becket; and whilst it established the credit of the new saint, it established Henry in the minds of his people:  they no longer looked upon their king as an object of the Divine vengeance, but as a penitent reconciled to Heaven, and under the special protection of the martyr he had made.  The Flemish army, after several severe checks, capitulated to evacuate the kingdom.  The rebellious barons submitted soon after.  All was quiet in England; but the King of France renewed hostilities in Normandy,