During this time the barons were daily growing more mutinous and
defiant, saying that they would rather die than be ruined by the
"Romans," as they called the papal power. To a fresh demand for money
Earl Bigod (S209) gave a flat refusal. "Then I will send reapers and
reap your field for you," cried the King to him. "And I will send you
back the heads of your reapers," retorted the angry Earl.
It was evident that the nobles would make no concession. The same
spirit was abroad which, at an earlier date (1236), made the
Parliament of Merton declare, when asked to alter the customs or laws
of the country to suit the ordinances of the Church of Rome, "We will
not change the laws of England." So now the were equally resolved not
to pay the Pope money in bahalf of the King's son.