Chapter XVII

HAROLD'S HOST:--Harold arrives in London--His ill-timed
rashness--Not being able to attack William unawares, Harold
halts at Epiton, and fortifies his position--The Saxon chiefs
advise a retreat--Harold refuses to listen to them--William
denounces Harold as a perjurer and liar--The effect of William's
message on the Saxons--Gurth advises Harold to quit the
army--The night before the battle