IF ALL THE SWORDS IN ENGLAND

Devoted twin brothers are separated when only one is accepted into the service of King Henry II, and the other is offered a position as scribe for Henry's enemy, the Archbishop, Thomas Becket. Refusing to obey tyrannical doctrines which challenge the power of God, Becket and his followers are exiled to France. No reconciliation seems possible, although the twins meet briefly when King Louis of France attempts to intervene in the quarrel. Unexpectedly King Henry suddenly recalls Becket to England, but his anger is later fanned by treacherous noblemen and in a drunken fury demands the death of the Archbishop, an order overheard by Edmund. He sets out for Canterbury but is too late. Becket is indeed murdered, but thereby attains sanctity. In telling this famous story, Miss Willard uses language intended to recreate the spirit of the era. The result however is stilted and makes for difficulty in following the plot.