Chapter XL

ROBERT CURTHOSE:--William's dismal forebodings--Robert, his
eldest son--Robert recognised as heir of Normandy--Badly
trained--His good qualities--His nickname--Robert claims
Maine--William refuses to cede it to him--Robert's
indignation--William Rufus' and Henry Beauclerc's practical
joke--Its evil consequences--Robert attempts to seize Rouen--His
failure--Robert's bad counsellors--Robert asks Normandy, or part
of England, of his father--Being refused, he leaves Normandy and
goes to Flanders--Is everywhere well received--His waste of
money