THE SCENE: When Archbishop Hatto is called in to mediate a dispute between King Conrad and his rebellious subject Adalbert, he demonstrates that he cares more about the letter of his oaths than their spirit.
THE TEXT: [Archbishop Hatto was] born of an obscure family, was keen of intellect, so that it was difficult to determine whether one were better or worse in his advice. For when war was going on between Conrad and Adalbert [no-one] could bring an end to the violent warfare between these outstanding men. At last, however, the archbishop was sent for to settle this great dissension: and having entered the city of Adalbert the bishop promised under an oath either to effect a reconciliation with the king, or else to leave Adalbert in safety in his own place.
Adalbert consented to the agreement, and as a token of trust and friendship asked the bishop if he would deign to partake of a meal with him. The latter declined and at once left the city. But when he had passed out of the city walls with all his retinue he is said to have exclaimed, “Alas, he who spurns what is offered is all to often left in want. I am wearied by the long journey and the late hour; we cannot walk all day fasting”. The joyful Adalbert threw himself at the bishop’s knees and begged him to return to the city in order to dine. The bishop turned back into the city with Adalbert and was released from his oath, as it seemed to him, because he had already permitted him to remain in safety in his own place. There upon Adalbert was handed over to [the King] by the bishop, was condemned and was executed.
– The Deeds of the Saxons, Widukind of Corvey, 10th Century AD
