[Sidenote:  Beda. Will.  Malmes.] It chanced (whilest the same Gregorie was as yet but archdeacon of the see of Rome) certeine yoong boies were brought thither to bee sold out of Northumberland, according to the accustomable vse of that countrie, in somuch that as we haue in our time seene (saith W. Mal.) the people of that prouince haue not yet doubted to sell awaie their neere kinsfolke for a small price.  When those children which at that time were brought from thence to Rome, had by reason of their excellent beauties and comelie shape of lims and bodie, turned [Sidenote:  Vita Gregorii. magni.] the eies in maner of all the citizens to the beholding of them, it fortuned that Gregorie also came amongst other to behold them, and when he considered and well viewed their faire skins, their sweet visages, and beautifull bushes of their bright and yeallow heares, he demanded out of what region or land they came?  Vnto whome answere was made, that they were brought out of Britaine, the inhabitants of which countrie were of the like beautifull aspect.  Then he asked whether the men of that countrie were christians, or as yet intangled with blind heathenish errors?  Wherevnto it was answered, that they were not christened, but followed the religion of the Gentiles.  Whereat Gregorie fetching a deepe sigh, said:  Ah, alas that the author of darkenesse dooth as yet possesse men of so brightsome countenances, and that with the grace of such faire shining visages, they beare about minds void of inward grace.

“Moreouer he demanded by what name the people were called, whereto answere was made, that they were called Angli, that is to say Englishmen.  Right woorthilie (saith he) for they haue angels faces, and such as ought to be made fellow-heires with angels in heauen.  Then asked he the name of the prouince from whence they were brought, and it was told him they were of Deira.  It is well (said he) they are to be deliuered “De ira dei,” that is to say, from the ire and wrath of God, and called to the mercie of Christ our Lord.  What name (said he) hath the king of that prouince?  Wherevnto answere was made that he was called Alla, wherevpon alluding to that name, he said, Alleluia ought to be soong in those parts to the praise and honor of God the creator.”

[Sidenote:  Pelagius the second. Will.  Malmes.] Herevpon comming to Benedict the first of that name (as then bishop of Rome) he required him that some learned men might be sent into England to preach the gospell vnto the Englishmen, offering himselfe to be one of the number.  But though Benedict was contented to grant [Sidenote:  Pelagius.] his request, yet the Romans had him in such estimation, that they would not consent that he should depart so farre from the citie, so that by them he was at that time staied of that his godlie purpose.  Howbeit when he came to be bishop, he thought to performe it though not by himselfe, yet by other:  and so Augustine and his fellowes were sent by him about