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Updated: May 4, 2025
The members of these courts consisted of Schöffen, nominated by the graf, or presiding judge, and composed of ordinary members and the Wissenden or Witan, the higher membership. The initiation of these members was a singular and impressive ceremony. It could only take place upon the red earth, or within the boundaries of Westphalia.
"Peers and proceres, chiefs of this Witan, perhaps the largest ever yet assembled in man's memory, it is for you to decide whether I and mine, or the foreign fugitives, caused the dissensions in these realms; whether our banishment was just or not; whether in our return we have abused the power we possessed. Ministers, on those swords by your sides there is not one drop of blood!
In the interim, the Duke's intrigues would again surround the infirm King with Norman influences; and in the absence both of any legitimate heir to the throne capable of commanding the trust of the people, and of his own preponderating ascendancy both in the Witan and the armed militia of the nation, what could arrest the designs of the grasping Duke?
"After this it happened," he writes, "that many nations received the faith of Christ, and there were many synods assembled throughout the earth, and among the English race also after they had received the faith of Christ, both of holy bishops and of their exalted Witan.
The best proof we can give to this insolent Norman that England is not for prince to leave, or subject to barter, is to choose solemnly in our Witan the very chief whom his frauds prove to us that he fears the most. This speech spoke all the thoughts of the laymen, and, with Alred's previous remarks, reassured all the ecclesiastics.
Soon Wislac, also, grew tired of the court, and said that he longed for the deep meadows and lofty trees, and green downs along the clear river in this June time, and must seek his own home again. But it seemed that Alfred over-persuaded him, for reasons which he told me not, and he stayed. We went to the great meeting of the Witan, taking our seats there when our rights were confirmed to us.
It was a necessary step for young Edgar was not to be thought of and yet men felt uneasy, now that the time had come, at so complete a departure from custom. Rapidly the king grew worse, and prayers were uttered up for him in every church in England. The Christmas Witan met at Westminster, but little was done.
Not until you are married will you take the kingdom at all." "Then," said the princess, growing pale, "I will speak to the Witan myself, and learn their will." "The Witan has broken up," answered Alsi, "and the good thanes are miles on their way homewards by this time. You are too late." "I will call them up again." "Certainly that is, if I let my men run hither and thither to fetch them.
And, if the King remains as aloof as now from his royal kinsman, Edward the Atheling, who" the Earl hesitated and looked round "who so near to the throne when I am no more, as Harold, the joy of the ceorls, and the pride of the thegns? he whose tongue never falters in the Witan, and whose arm never yet hath known defeat in the field?" Githa's heart swelled, and her cheek grew flushed.
I am asking you to break the law that bids the keeping of the peace at the time of the meeting of the Witan." "That is no matter," I said. "If I have to fly, it will be with you as victor; and if it is but a matter of a fine, I have had that from the king today which will surely pay it."
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