noon sun
Then the abbot turned round from the altar , and began to fidget with the fastenings of his rich robes . And they made a lane for us up to the west door ; then I put on my helm and we began to go up the nave , then suddenly the singing of the monks and all stopped . I heard a clinking and a buzz of voices in the choir . I turned , and saw that the bright noon sun was shining on the gold of the priest 's vestments , as they lay on the floor , and on the mail that the priests carried . So we stopped , the choir gates swung open , and the abbot marched out at the head of his men , all fully armed , and began to strike up the psalm `` Exsurgat Deus . '' When we got to the west door , there was indeed a tumult , but as yet no slaying ; the square was all a-flicker with steel , and we beheld a great body of knights , at the head of them Red Harald and the king , standing over against us ; but our people , pressed against the houses , and into the comers of the square , were , some striving to enter the doors , some beside themselves with rage , shouting out to the others to charge ; withal , some were pale and some were red with the blood that had gathered to the wrathful faces of them . Then said Arnald to those about him , `` Lift me up . ''