Ethelbert's reply to
Augustine on their first meeting after Augustine had explained why he had
come to England:
"Your words and promised are very fair" he is said to have
replied, "but as they are new to us and of uncertain import, I cannot
assent to them and give up what I have long held in common with the whole
English nation.
But since you have come as strangers from
so great a distance, and, as I take it, are anxious to have us also share
in what you conceive to be both excellent and true, we will not interfere
with you, but receive you, rather, in kindly hospitality and take care to
provide what may be necessary for your support.
Moreover, we make no objection to your
winning as many converts as you can to your creed". (Bede, H.E., I,
xxv.)
So Augustine is basically given
permission to convert any Anglo-Saxons who want to, to Christianity!
