Chapter II: Part 2

But now concerning his further proceedings, concerning his victorious both entrance and continuance within the Realme of _England_, two points are worthy to be considered: one, how he being a man of no great either power or dominion, did so suddenly preuaile against a couragious King, possessed of a large and puissant State. The other is, how he so secured his victorie, as not the English, not the Britains, not the Danes, not any other could dispossesse or much disturbe him & his posteritie, from enioying the fayre fruits thereof. And if we giue to either of these their true respects, wee shall find his commendation to consist, not so much in the first, as in the second: because that was effected chiefly by force, this by wisedome only; which as it is most proper to man, so few men doe therein excell. Hee that winneth a State surmounteth onely outward difficulties; but he that assureth the same, trauaileth as well against internall weaknes, as external strength. To attaine a Kingdome is many times a gift of Fortune; but to prouide that it may long time continue firme, is not onely to oppose against humane forces, but against the very malice of Fortune, or rather the power and wrath of time, whereby all things are naturally inclineable to change.

For the first then, besides the secret working and will of God, which is the cause of all causes; besides the sinnes of the people, for which (the Prophet saith,) _Kingdomes are transported from one Nation to another_: King _Edward_ not long before made a manifest way for this inuasion and change. For although he was _English_ by birth, yet by reason of his education in _Normandie_, he was altogether become a _Normane_, both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as in imitation of him, the _English_ abandoned the ancient vsages of their Country, and with great affection or affectation rather, conformed themselues to the fashions of _France_.[20] His chiefe acquaintance and familiar friends were no other then _Normans_; towards whom being a milde and soft spirited Prince, he was very bountifull, and almost immoderate in his fauours. These he enriched with great possessions; these he honoured with the highest places both of dignitie and charge. Chiefly he aduanced diuers of them to the best degrees of dignitie in the Church: by whose fauour Duke _William_ afterward was both animated & aided in his exploit. Generally as the whole Clergie of _England_ conceiued a hard opinion of _Harold_; for that vpon the same day wherein King _Edward_ was buried, he set the Crowne vpon his owne head, without Religious Ceremonies, without any solemnities of Coronation: so they durst not for feare of the Popes displeasure, but giue either furtherance or forbearance to the Dukes proceedings; and to abuse the credite which they had with the people, in working their submission to the _Normans_. Now of what strength the Clergie was at that time within the Realme, by this which followeth it may appeare.

After that _Harold_ was slaine, _Edwine_ and _Morcar_ Earles of _Northumberland_ and _Marckland_, brothers of great both authoritie and power within the Realme, had induced many of the Nobilitie to declare _Edgar Athelinge_ to be their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed that purpose, but deliuered _Edgar_ the next heire from the _Saxon_ Kings to the pleasure of the Duke.

Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie at _Hastings_ aduanced his armie towards _Hartford-shire_; _Fredericke_ Abbot of _S. Albanes_ had caused the woods belonging to his Church to be felled, and the trees to be cast so thicke in the way, that the Duke was compelled to coast about to the castle of _Berkhamstead_. To this place the Abbot vnder Suerties came vnto him; and being demanded wherefore he alone did offer that opposition against him, with a confident countenance he returned answere: that he had done no more then in conscience and by Nature he was bound to doe: and that if the residue of the Clergie had borne the like minde, hee should neuer haue pierced the land so farre. Well, answered the Duke, I know that your Clergie is powerfull indeed; but if I liue and prosper in my affaires, I shall gouerne their greatnesse well ynough. Assuredly, nothing doeth sooner worke the conuersion or subuersion of a State, then that any one sort of Subiects should grow so great, as to be able to ouerrule all the rest.

Besides this disposition of the Clergie, diuers of the Nobilitie also did nothing fauour King _Harold_ or his cause: for that he was a manifest vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, pretending onely as borne of the daughter of _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. Yea he was infamous both for his iniurie and periurie towards the Duke, and no lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie in former times, in bearing Armes with his father against King _Edward_. Hereupon the Nobilitie of the Realme were broken into factions. Many (of whom his owne brother _Tosto_ was chiefe) inuited _Harold_ King of _Norway_ to inuade; with whom whilest _Harold_ of _England_ was incountring in Armes, the residue drew in Duke _William_ out of _Normandie_. And these also were diuided in respects. Some were caried by particular ends, as being prepared in diuers maner by the _Normane_ before hand: others vpon a greedy and for the most part deceiueable ambition, in hunting after hazard and change: others were led with loue to their Countrey, partly to auoyd the tempest which they saw to gather in clouds against them, and partly to enlarge the Realme both in dominion and strength, by adioyning the Country of _Normandie_ vnto it. In which regard, (because the lesse doeth alwayes accrue to the greater) they thought it more aduantageable to deale with a Prince of an inferiour state, then with a Prince of a state superiour or equal.

As for _Edgar Atheling_, the next successour to the Crowne in right of blood, he was not of sufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; not gracious to the _English_, as well for his imperfections both in yeeres and nature, as for that he was altogether vnacquainted with the customes and conditions of their Countrey: vnfurnished of forces and reputation, vnfurnished of friends, vnfurnished of all meanes to support his title. So Duke _William_ hauing better right then the one, and more power then the other, did easily cary the prize from both.

Now touching the state of his owne strength, albeit _Normandie_ was but little in regard of _England_, yet was it neither feeble nor poore. For the people, by reason of their continuall exercise in Armes, by reason of the weightie warres which they had managed, were well inabled both in courage and skill for all Militarie atchieuements. Their valour also had bene so fauoured by their Fortune, that they were more enriched by spoile, then drawne downe either with losses or with charge. Hereupon when preparation was to be made for the enterprise of _England_, although some disswaded the Duke from embracing the attempt; affirming that it was a vaine thing to streine at that which the hand is not able to conteine, to take more meat then the stomacke can beare; that he who catcheth at matters too great, is in great danger to gripe nothing: Yet did others not onely encourage him by aduise, but enable him by their aide. Among which _William Fitz-Auber_ did furnish 40. ships with men and munition; The Bishop of _Baieux_ likewise 40: the Bishop of _Mans_ 30: and in like sort others, according to the proportion of their estates.

And yet he drew not his forces onely out of _Normandie_, but receiued aide from all parts of _France_; answerable not onely to his necessitie, but almost to his desire. _Philip_ King of _France_ at that time was vnder age, and _Baldwine_ Earle of _Flanders_ was gouernour of the Realme; whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. By his fauour the Duke receiued large supplies from the state of _France_, both in treasure and in men of warre: for countenance whereof it was giuen foorth, that the Duke should hold the Realme of _England_ as hee did the Duchie of _Normandie_, vnder homage to the Crowne of _France_. Hereupon diuers Princes of _France_ did adioyne to his aide; and especially the Duke of _Orleance_, the Earles of _Britaine_, _Aniou_, _Boloigne_, _Ponthieu_, _Neuers_, _Poictou_, _Hiesmes_, _Aumale_, and the Lord of _Tours_. Many other of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen did voluntarily aduenture, both their bodies and whole estates vpon the euent of this enterprise. So greatly had he either by courtesie wonne the loue, or by courage erected the hopes of all men: yea of many who had bin his greatest enemies. With these also the _Emperour Henry_ 4. sent him certaine troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a Prince of _Almaine_. Hee receiued also many promises of fauour from _Swaine_ King of _Denmarke_. And who can assure (for the sequele maketh the coniecture probable) that he held not intelligence with _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, to inuade _England_ with two armies at once. So partly by his owne Subiects, and partly by supply from his Alleys and friends, hee amassed a strong Armie, consisting chiefly of _Normans_, _Flemings_, _French_ and _Britaines_, to the number of fiftie thousand men; and brought them to S. _Valeries_, before which Towne his ships did ride. Here he stayed a certaine time attending the wind, as most writers doe report; but rather as it may be coniectured, to awaite the arriuall of _Harold Harfager_ K. of _Norway_: knowing right well, that the inuasion of _Harold_ of _Norway_ vpon the North parts of the realme, would draw away _Harold_ of _England_ to leaue the coasts towards the South vndefended.

During his abode at S. _Valeries_, certaine English espials were taken, whom King _Harold_ had sent to discouer both the purposes and power of the Duke. When they were brought to his presence, with a braue confidence he said vnto them: _Your Lord might well haue spared this charge; hee needed not to haue cast away his cost to vnderstand that by your industrie and faith, which my owne presence shall manifest vnto him; more certainly, more shortly then he doth expect. Goe your wayes, goe tell him from me, If he find me not before the end of this yeere, in the place where hee supposeth that hee may most safely set his foote, let him neuer feare danger from mee whilest hee liue._ Many _Normans_ disliked this open dealing of the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the valour and experience of King _Harold_; the greatnesse of his treasure; the number and goodnes of his men; but especially his strong Nauie, and expert Saylers; accustomed both to the fights and dangers of the Sea, more then any other people in the world. To these the Duke turned, and sayd: _I am glad to heare this opinion run, both of his prowesse and of his power; the greater shall our glory bee in preuailing against him. But I see right well that I haue small cause to feare his discouery of our strength, when you, who are so neere vnto mee, discerne so little. Rest your selues vpon the Iustice of your cause and foresight of your Commaunder. Who hath lesse then hee, who can iustly tearme nothing his owne? I know more of his weakenesse, then euer he shall know of my strength, vntill he feele it. Performe you your parts like men, and he shall neuer be able to disappoint either my assurance, or your hopes._

Now _Harold_ King of _England_ had prepared a fleet to resist the inuasion of the duke of _Normandie_: but by reason of his long stay at S. _Valeries_, speeches did spread, whether by error or subornation, yea, assured aduertisement was sent out of _Flanders_, that he had for that yeere abandoned his enterprise. In the meane time _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, then whom no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing assured both intelligence and aide out of _England_, arriued in the mouth of _Humber_: and from thence drawing vp against the streame of the riuer _Owse_, landed at a place called _Richhall_. Here he Marshalled his Armie, and marched foorth into the Countrey: and when hee came neere vnto _Yorke_, he was encountred by the _English_, led by _Edwine_ and _Morchar_ the principall commanders of all those quarters. The fight was furious, but in the end the _English_ were ouerthrowne, and with a great slaughter chased into _Yorke_.

Vpon aduertisement hereof, _Harold_ King of _England_ caried all his forces against _Harfager_. His readinesse was such, and such his expedition, that the fifth day after the fight before mentioned he gaue him battell againe; wherein _Harold Harfager_ was slaine, and so was _Tosto_ the King of _Englands_ brother: _Tosto_ by an vncertaine enemie, but _Harfager_ by the hand of _Harold_ of _England_. Their armie also was routed, and with a bloody execution pursued, so long as day and furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier of _Norway_ was most famous almost for a miracle of manhood. He had been appointed with certaine others, to guard the passage at _Stamford_ bridge. The residue vpon approach of the English forsooke their charge; but hee alone stepped to the foote of the Bridge, and with his Battle-axe sustained the shocke of the whole armie; slew aboue fourty assailants, and defended both the passage and himselfe, vntill an English Souldier went vnder the Bridge, and through a hole thereof thrust him into the bodie with a Launce.

If this victory of King _Harold_ had been so wisely vsed as it was valiantly wonne, he should haue neglected the spoyle, and returned with the like celeritie wherewith he came. But hee gaue discontentment to his Souldiers, in abridging their expectation for free sharing the spoile; and hauing lost many in that conflict, he retired to _Yorke_, and there stayed; as well to reforme the state of the Countrey, greatly disordered by meanes of these warres, as also both to refresh and repaire his armie.

In the meane time the Duke of _Normandie_ receiuing intelligence, that the Sea-coasts were left naked of defence, loosed from S. _Valeries_ with three hundred, or, as some writers report, 896, or, as one _Norman_ writer affirmes, with more then one thousand saile: and hauing a gentle gale, arriued at _Pemsey_ in _Sussex_, vpon the 28. of September. The ship wherein the Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne for the garland of victory) to haue outstripped the rest so farre, that the sailers were enforced to strike saile, and hull before the winde to haue their companie. When hee first stepped vpon the shoare, one of his feete slipped a little. The Duke to recouer himselfe stepped more strongly with the other foote, and sunke into the sand somewhat deepe. One of his Souldiers espying this, sayd merrily vnto him: _You had almost fallen my Lord, but you haue well maintained your standing, and haue now taken deepe and firme footing in the soyle of_ England. _The presage is good, and hereupon I salute you King._ The Duke laughed; and the souldiers, with whom superstition doth strongly worke, were much confirmed in courage by the ieast.

When he had landed his forces, he fortified a piece of ground with strong trenches, and discharged all his ships; leauing to his souldiers no hope to saue themselues, but by onely by victory. After this he published the causes of his comming in armes, namely:

1 To chalenge the kingdome of _England_, giuen to him by his cousin King _Edward_, the last lawfull possessor at that time thereof.

2 To reuenge the death of his cousin _Alfred_, brother to the same K. _Edward_, and of the _Normans_, who did accompanie him into _England_; no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by Earle _Goodwin_ and his adherents.

3 To reuenge the iniurie done vnto _Robert_ Archbishop of Canterburie; who by the practise (as it was then giuen foorth) of _Harold_, had been exiled in the life time of King _Edward_.

This last article was added either to please the Pope, or generally in fauour of the Cleargie: to whom the example grew then intollerable, that an Archbishop should bee once questioned by any other then by themselues.

So the Duke, leauing his fortification furnished with competent forces to assure the place, as wel for a retreit, as for daily landing of fresh supplies, marched forward to _Hastings_; and there raised another fortresse, and planted likewise a garison therein. And in all places he restrained his Souldiers, either from spoyling or harming the Countrey people, for feare that thereby they would fall into disorder: but giuing forth, that it were crueltie to spoile them, who in short time should be his Subiects. Here the Duke, because he would not either aduenture or trust his Souldiers, went foorth in person to discouer the Countrey, with 15. horsemen in his company, and no more. His returne was on foote, by reason of the euill qualitied wayes: and when _Fitz-Osberne_ who went with him, was ouerwearied with the weight of his armour, the Duke eased him by bearing his helmet vpon his shoulder. This action may seeme of slender regard; but yet did gaine him, both fauour and dutie among his Souldiers.

K. _Harold_ hearing of these approches, hasted by great iourneyes towards _London_; sending his messengers to all places, both to encourage and entreate the people to draw together for their common defence. Here he mustered his Souldiers; and albeit hee found that his forces were much impaired by his late battaile against _Harfager_, yet he gathered an able armie, countenanced and commanded by diuers of the Nobilitie, which resorted vnto him from many parts of the Realme. The Duke in the meane time sent a messenger vnto him, who demanded the Kingdome in so stout maner, that he was at the point to haue bene euill entreated by the King. Againe the King sent his messenger to the Duke, forbidding him with loftie language, to make any stay within that Countrey; but to returne againe no lesse speedily, then rashly he had entred. The Duke betweene mirth and scorne returned answere; That as he came not vpon his entreaty, so at his command he would not depart. But (said he) _I am not come to word with your King, I am come to fight, and am desirous to fight: I will be ready to fight with him, albeit I had but 10000. such men as I haue brought 60000._

K. _Harold_ spent little time, lost none (vnlesse happely that which hee might haue taken more) both in appointing and ordering his Armie. And when he was ready to take the field, his mother entreated him, first moderately, then with words of passion and with teares, that he would not aduenture his person to the battaile. Her importunitie was admired the more, for that it was both without any apparant cause, and not vsuall in former times. But _Harold_ with vndaunted countenance and heart, conducted his Armie into _Sussex_, and encamped within seuen miles of the _Normans_: who thereupon approched so neere to the _English_, that the one Armie was within view of the other.

First, espials were sent on both sides, to discouer the state and condition of their enemies. They who were sent from the English made a large report, both of the number, and appointment, and discipline of the _Normans_. Whereupon _Girth_, yonger brother to King _Harold_ presented him with aduise, not to play his whole State at a cast; not to bee so caried with desire of victory, as not to awaite the time to attaine it: that it is proper to Inuaders presently to fight, because they are then in the very pride and flourish of their strength; but the assailed should rather delay battell, rather obserue only and attend their enemies, cut off their reliefe, vexe them with incommodities, weary them, and weare them out by degrees: that it could not be long before the Dukes armie, being in a strange Countrey, would be reduced to necessities; it could not bee long but by reason it consisted of diuers nations, it would draw into disorder: that it was proper to an armie compounded of different people, to be almost inuincible at the first, whilest all contend to excell or at least to equal other in braue performance; but if they be aduisedly endured, they will easily fall into disorders, and lastly of themselues dissolue. _Or if_ (sayd he) _you resolue to fight, yet because you are sworne to the Duke, you shall doe well to withdraw your presence; to imploy your authoritie in mustering a new armie, to bee readie to receiue him with fresh forces. And if you please to commit the charge of this incounter vnto me, I will not faile to expresse, both the loue of a brother, and the care and courage of a Commander. For as I am not obliged to the Duke by oath, so shall I either preuaile with the better cause, or with the quieter conscience die._

Both these counsailes were reiected by _Harold_: The first out of a violent vehemencie of these Northerne nations, who doe commonly esteeme delay of battell a deiected cowardise, a base and seruile deflouring of time; but to beare through their designes at once, they account a point of honourable courage. The second he esteemed both shamefull to his reputation, and hurtfull to the state of his affaires. For what honour had he gained by his former victories, if when he came to the greatest pinch of danger, hee should fearefully shrinke backe? with what heart should the Souldiers fight, when they haue not his presence for whom they fight? when they haue not their Generall an eye witnesse of their performance? when they want his sight, his encouragement, his example to enflame them to valour? The presence of the Prince is worth many thousands of ordinarie Souldiers: The ordinary Souldier wil vndertake both labour and danger for no other respects so much, as by the presence of the Prince. And therefore he did greatly extenuate the worth of the _Normans_, terming them a company of Priests; because their fashion was to shaue their faces: But whatsoeuer they were, as he had (hee said) digested in his minde the hardest euents of battell; so either the infamie or suspicion of cowardise in no case hee would incurre. Hee resolued not to ouerliue so great dishonour; he resolued to set vp as his last rest, his Crowne, and Kingdome; and life withall. And thus oftentimes Fortune dealeth with men, as Executioners doe with condemned persons; she will first blindfold, and then dispatch them.

After this the _Norman_ sent a Monke to offer the choise of these conditions to _Harold_; Either to relinquish his kingdome vpon certaine conditions; or to hold it vnder homage to the Duke; or to try their cause by single combate; or to submit it to the iudgement of the Pope, according to the Lawes of _Normandy_ or of _England_, which he would. Againe, some conditions were propounded from K. _Harold_ to the Duke: But their thoughts were so lifted vp both with pride and confidence, by reason of their former victories, that no moderate ouerture could take place: and so they appointed the day following, which was the 14. of October, to determine their quarrell by sentence of the sword. This happened to be the birth day of K. _Harold_, which for that cause by a superstitious errour, he coniectured would be prosperous vnto him.

The night before the battaile for diuers respects was vnquiet. The _English_ spent the time in feasting and drinking, and made the aire ring with showtings and songs: the _Normans_ were more soberly silent, and busied themselues much in deuotion; being rather still then quiet, not so much watchful as not able to sleepe. At the first appearance of the day, the King and the Duke were ready in Armes, encouraging their Souldiers, and ordering them in their arrayes; in whose eyes it seemed that courage did sparckle, and that in their face and gesture victorie did sit. The Duke put certaine reliques about his necke, vpon which King _Harold_ had sworne vnto him. It is reported that when he armed, the backe of his Curasses was placed before by errour of him that put it on: some would haue bin dismayed hereat, but the Duke smiled, and said; Assuredly this day my Fortune will turne, I shall either be a King, or nothing before night.

The _English_ were knit in one maine body on foot; whereof the first rancks consisted of _Kentishmen_ (who by an ancient custome did challenge the honour of that place,) the next were filled with _Londoners_; then followed the other _English_. Their chiefe weapons were pole-axe, sword and dart, with a large target for their defence. They were paled in front with paueises in such wise, that it was thought impossible for the enemie to breake them. The King stood on foot by his Standard, with two of his brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_; as well to relieue from thence all parts that should happen to be distressed, as also to manifest to the Souldiers, that they reteined no thought of escaping by flight. On the other side, the _Normans_ were diuided into three battailes: The first was conducted by _Roger Montgomerie_, and _William Fitz-Osborne_; it consisted of horsemen of _Aniou_, _Maine_ and _Britaine_, commanded by a _Britaine_ named _Fergent_; It caried the Banner which the Pope had sent. The middle battaile consisting of Souldiers out of _Germanie_ and _Poictou_, was led by _Geoffrye Martell_, and a Prince of _Almaine_. The Duke himselfe closed the last battaile, with the strength of his _Normans_ and the flowre of his Nobilitie. The Archers were diuided into wings, and also dispersed by bands through all the three battails.

Thus were both sides set vpon a bloody bargaine; ambition, hope, anger, hate, enflaming them to valour. The duke edged his Souldiers, by declaring vnto them the noble Acts of their ancesters, the late admirable atchieuement of their fellow _Normans_ in subduing the Kingdome of _Sicill_, their owne braue exploits vnder him; by shewing them all that pleasant and plentifull Countrey, as the purchase of their prowesse, as the gaine and reward of their aduenture: by putting them in minde, that they were in a Countrey both hostile & vnknowne, before them the sword, the vast Ocean behind, no place of retreit, no surety but in valour and in victory; so as they who would not contend for glory, were vpon necessitie to fight for their liues: Lastly, by assuring them, that as he was the first in aduise, so would he be the foremost in aduenture, being fully resolued either to vanquish, or to die. The King encouraged his men, by presenting to their remembrance, the miseries which they susteined not long before, vnder the oppression of the _Danes_; which whether they were againe to endure, or neuer to feare, it lieth (said he) in the issue of this field. The King had the aduantage both for number of men, and for their large able bodies; The Duke both in Armes, (especially in regard of the Bow and arrowes,) and in experience and skill of Armes; both equall in courage; both confident alike in the fauour of Fortune, which had alwayes crowned their courage with victory. And now by affronting of both the Armies, the plots and labours of many moneths, were reduced to the hazard of a few houres.

The _Normans_ marched with a song of the valiant acts of _Rowland_, esteeming nothing of perill in regard of the glory of their aduenture. When they approched neere their enemies, they saluted them first with a storme of Arrowes: _Robert Fitz Beaumonte_ a yong Gentleman of _Normandie_, beginning the fight from the right Wing. This maner of fight as it was new, so was it most terrible to the _English_, so were they least prouided to auoyd it. First, they opened their rancks, to make way for the Arrowes to fall; but when that auoydance did nothing auaile, they cloased againe, and couered themselues with their Targets, ioyned together in maner of a pendhouse; encouraging one another, to hast forward, to leape lustily to hand-strokes, and to scoure their swords in the entrailes of their enemies. Then the Duke commanded his horsemen to charge: but the _English_ receiued them vpon the points of their weapons, with so liuely courage, in so firme and stiffe order, that the ouerthrow of many of the foremost, did teach their followers to aduenture themselues with better aduise. Hereupon they shifted into wings, and made way for the footmen to come forward. Then did both armies ioyne in a horrible shocke, with Pole-axes, & the Prince of weapons the sword: maintaining the fight with so manlike furie, as if it had bene a battaile of Giants, rather then of men. And so they continued the greatest part of that day, in close and furious fight; blow for blow, wound for wound, death for death; their feet steadie, their hands diligent, their eyes watchfull, their hearts resolute; neither their aduisement dazeled by fiercenesse, nor their fiercenesse any thing abated by aduisement.

In the meane time the horsemen gaue many sharpe charges, but were alwayes beaten backe with disaduantage. The greatest annoyance came from the Archers; whose shot showred among the _English_ so thicke, as they seemed to haue the enemy in the middest of their Armie. Their armour was not sufficiently either compleate or of proofe to defend them, but euery hand, euery finger breadth vnarmed, was almost an assured place for a deepe, and many times a deadly wound. Thus whilest the front was maintained in good condition, many thousands were beaten downe behind; whose death was not so grieuous vnto them, as the maner of their death, in the middest of their friends, without an enemie at hand, vpon whom they might shew some valour, and worke some reuenge.

This maner of fight would soone haue determined aswell the hopes as the feares of both sides, had not the targets of English been very seruiceable vnto them; Had not King _Harold_ also with a liuely and constant resolution, performed the part, not onely of a skilfull commander, by directing, encouraging, prouiding, relieuing; but of a valiant Souldier by vsing his weapon, to the excellent example of his Souldiers. In places of greatest danger hee was alwayes present; repayring the decayes, reforming the disorders, and encouraging his company, that in doing as men, whether they preuailed, or whether they perished, their labour was alwayes gloriously employed. So they knit strongly together, and stood in close and thicke array, as if they had been but one body: not onely bearing the brunt of their enemies, but making such an impression vpon their squadron, that the great bodie began to shake. The Duke aduentured in person so farre, moued no lesse by his naturall magnanimitie, then by glory of the enterprise, that besides his often alighting to fight on foote, two, or (as some report) three horses were slaine vnder him. And hauing a body both able by nature, and by vse hardened to endure trauaile, hee exacted the greater seruice of his Souldiers: commending the forward, blaming the slow, and crying out (according to his nature) with vehement gesture and voice vnto all; that it was a shame for them who had been victorious against all men with whom they dealt, to be so long held by the _English_ in delay of victory. So partly by his authoritie, and partly by his example, he retained his Souldiers, and imposed vpon them the fayrest necessitie of courage; whilest euery man contended to win a good opinion of their Prince.

Then the fight entred into a new fitte of heate; nothing lesse feared then death, the greatnesse of danger making both sides the more resolute: and they who could not approach to strike with the hand, were heard to encourage their fellowes by speach, to pursue the victory, to pursue their glory, not to turne to their owne both destruction and disgrace. The clashing of armour, the iustling of bodies, the resounding of blowes, was the fairest part of this bloody medley: but the grislinesse of wounds, the hideous fals and groanes of the dying, all the field defiled with dust, blood, broken armour, mangled bodies, represented Terrour in her foulest forme. Neuer was furie better gouerned; neuer game of death better played. The more they fought the better they fought; the more they smarted, the lesse they regarded smart.

At the last, when the Duke perceiued that the _English_ could not be broken by strength of arme, he gaue direction that his men should retire and giue ground; not loosely, not disorderly, as in a fearefull and confused haste, but aduisedly and for aduantage; keeping the front of their squadron firme and close, without disbanding one foote in array. Nothing was more hurtfull to the _English_, being of a franke and noble spirit, then that their violent inclination caried them too fast into hope of victory. For, feeling their enemies to yeeld vnder their hand, they did rashly follow those who were not hasty to flee: And in the heate of their pursuit, vpon a false conceit of victory, loosed and disordered their rankes, thinking then of nothing but of executing the chase. The _Normans_ espying the aduantage to be ripe, made a stiffe stand, redoubled vpon the _English_, and pressing on with a furie equall to their fauourable fortune, with a cruell butchery brake into them. On the other side it is scarce credible with what strength both of courage and hand the _English_ euen in despight of death, sustained themselues in this disorder; drawing into small squadrons, and beating downe their enemies on euery hand, being resolued to sell their liues with their place.

But a mischiefe is no mischiefe, if it comes alone. Besides this disaduantage of disarray, the shot of the _Normans_, did continually beate vpon the _English_ with a grieuous execution. Among other King _Harold_ about the closing of the euening, as he was busie in sustaining his armie, both with voyce and with hand, was strooke with an arrow through the left eye into his braines, of which wound hee presently died. His two brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_ were also slaine, and also most of the nobilitie that were present: So long as the King stood, they stood stoutly, both with him, and for him, and by him: his directions supported them, his braue behauiour breathed fresh boldnesse and life into them. But his death was a deadly stabbe to their courage; vpon report of his death, they began to wauer in resolution, whether to trust to the force of their armes, or to commend their safetie to their good footemanship. In this incertainty many were slaine: Many retired in reasonable order to a rising ground, whither they were closely followed by the _Normans_; but the _English_ hauing gotten aduantage of the place, and drawing courage out of despaire, with a bloody charge did driue them downe. Count _Eustachius_ supposing fresh forces to be arriued, fled away with fiftie Souldiers in his company; and meeting with the Duke, rounded him secretly in his eare, that if hee went any further hee was vndone. Whilest he was thus speaking, hee was strooke betweene the shoulder with so violent a blowe, that he fell downe as dead, and voided much blood at his nose and mouth. In this conflict many of the noblest _Normans_ were slaine, which mooued the Duke to make a strong ordered stand, giuing libertie therby for those _English_ to retire. Others fled through a watery channell, the passages whereof were well knowen vnto them: and when the _Normans_ did more sharpely then aduisedly pursue, the place being shadowed partly with Sedges and Reedes, and partly with the night, they were either stifled in the waters, or easily destroyed by the _English_, and that in so great numbers, that the place was filled vp with dead bodies. The residue scattered in smaller companies, and had their flight fauoured by increasing darkenesse: the enemie not aduenturing to follow, both in a strange Countrey, and in the night. Earle _Edwine_ and Earle _Morchar_, brothers of approoued both courage and faith, did great seruice at that time, in collecting these dispersed Troupes, and leading them in some fashion to _London_.

Duke _William_ surprised with Ioy, gaue publike charge for a solemne thanksgiuing to God. Then he erected his pauilion in the middest of the field, among the thickest of those bodies whom death had made to lie quietly together. There he passed the residue of that night; and the next morning mustered his souldiers, buried those that were slaine, and gaue libertie to the _English_ to do the like. The bodie of King _Harold_ could not be knowen by his face, it was so deformed by death, and by his wound; by his armour and by certaine markes vpon his body it was knowen. As it lay vpon the ground, a _Norman_ Souldier did strike it into the legge with his sword: for which vnmanly acte he was cassed by the Duke with open disgrace. It was caried into the Dukes Pauilion, vnder the custodie of _William Mallet_. And when his mother made suite for it to bee buried, the Duke denied it at the first; affirming, that buriall was not fit for him, whose ambition was the cause of so many Funerals. The mother, besides her lamentations and teares, offered for it (as one _Norman_ writer affirmes) the weight thereof in gold. But the Duke, with a manly compassion gaue it freely; as holding it dishonourable both to value the bodie of a King, and make sale of a slaine enemie. So his body was buried by his mother at _Waltham Crosse_ within the monasterie which hee had founded. Verely there was nothing to be blamed in him, but that his courage could not stoupe to be lower then a King.

I haue been the more long in describing this battel, for that I esteem it the most memorable and best executed that euer was fought within this land: as well for skilfull direction, as for couragious performance, and also for the greatnesse of the euent. The fight continued with very great both constancie of courage, and variety of fortune, from seuen of the clocke in the morning vntill night. Of the _Normans_ were slaine 6000 and more, besides those that were drowned and beaten downe in the water. The slaughter of the _English_ is vncertainely reported, but certainely it was farre greater then that of the _Normans_. Certaine also that their death was most honourable and faire, not any one basely abandoning the fielde; not any one yeelding to bee taken prisoner. And yet one circumstance more I hold fit to bee obserued; that this victory was gotten onely by the meanes of the bow and arrow: The vse whereof was by the _Normans_ first brought into this land. Afterward the _English_ being trained to that fight, did thereby chiefly maintaine themselues with honourable aduantage, against all nations with whom they did contend in armes; being generally reputed the best shot in the world.

But of late yeeres it hath bene altogether layed aside, and in stead thereof the harquebuze and calliuer are brought into vse: yet not without contradiction of many expert men of Armes; who albeit they doe not reiect the vse of these small pieces, yet doe they preferre the Bow before them. First, for that in a reasonable distance, it is of greater both certainty and force. Secondly, for that it dischargeth faster. Thirdly, for that more men may discharge therewith at once: for onely the first rancke dischargeth the piece, neither hurt they any but those that are in front; but with the bow 10. or 12. rancks may discharge together, and will annoy so many ranckes of the enemies. Lastly, for that the arrow doeth strike more parts of the body: for in that it hurteth by discent; (and not onely point blancke like the bullet) there is no part of the body but it may strike; from the crowne of the head, euen to the nayling of the foot to the ground. Hereupon it followeth, that the arrowes falling so thicke as haile vpon the bodies of men, as lesse fearefull of their flesh, so more slenderly armed then in former times, must necessarily worke most dangerous effects.

Besides these generall respects in many particular seruices and times, the vse of the Bow is of greatest aduantage. If some defence lye before the enemy, the arrow may strike where the bullet cannot. Foule weather may much hinder the discharge of the piece, but it is no great impediment to the shot of the Bow. A horse strooke with a bullet if the wound be not mortall, may performe good seruice; but if an arrow be fastened in his flesh, the continuall stirring thereof, occasioned by the motion of himselfe, will enforce him to cast off all command, and either beare downe or disorder those that are neere.

But the cracke of the piece (will some man say) doeth strike a terrour into the enemie. True, if they bee such as neuer heard the like noise before. But a little vse wil extinguish these terrours: to men, yea to beasts acquainted with these cracks, they worke a weake impression of feare. And if it be true which all men of action doe hold, that the eye in all battailes is first ouercome, then against men equally accustomed to both, the sight of the arrow is more auaileable to victorie then the cracke of the piece. Assuredly, the Duke before the battaile encouraged his men, for that they should deale with enemies who had no shot. But I will leaue this point to be determined by more discerning iudgements, and happily by further experience in these affaires, and returne againe to my principall purpose.

The next day after the victorie the Duke returned to _Hastings_, about seuen miles from the place of the encounter, partly to refresh his Armie, and partly to settle in aduise and order for his further prosecution. First, he dispatched messengers to signifie his successe to his friends abroad; to the Pope he sent King _Harolds_ Standerd, which represented a man fighting, wrought curiously with golde and precious stones. Afterwards placing a strong garrison at _Hastings_, he conducted his Armie towards _London_: not the direct way, but coasted about through part of _Kent_, through _Sussex_, _Surrey_, _Hampshire_ and _Barkeshire_: the wayes where hee passed being as free from resistance, as his thoughts were from change. At _Wallingford_ he passed ouer the _Thames_; and then marched forward through _Oxford-shire_, _Buckingham-shire_, and _Hartford-shire_, vntill he came to the Castle at _Berkhamstead_. In this passage many of his Souldiers languished and died of the Fluxe. And whether it were vpon licentiousnesse after the late victorie, or whether for want of necessary prouision, or whether to strike a terrour into the _English_, or whether to leaue no danger at his backe, he permitted the sword to range at large, to harrie freely, to defile many places with ruine and blood.

In the meane time the _English_ Lords assembled at _London_, to aduise vpon their common affaires; but the varietie of opinions was the chiefe impediment to the present seruice; the danger being more important, then the counsaile resolute, or the confidence assured. The Nobilitie enclined to declare _Edgar_ grandchild to _Edmund Ironside_, to be their King: and with these the _Londoners_ wholy went. But those of the Clergie were of opinion (some vpon particular respects, all vpon feare to displease the Pope) to yeeld to the storme and streame of the present time, to yeeld to the mightie Arme of GOD; that their forces being prostrated, their hopes feeble and forlorne, they must be content not to be constrained; they must not prouoke the Victor too farre; against whose forces and felicities, time gaue them not power to oppose. This deliberation held so long, that all the time of action was spent. For the Duke approched so neere the Citie, that many preferring their safetie before other respects, withdrew themselues and went vnto him. Hereupon the residue dissolued: and _Alfred_ Archb. of _Yorke_, _Wolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_, _Wilfire_ B. of _Hereford_, and many other Prelates of the Realme went vnto the Duke at _Berkhamstead_; accompanied with _Edgar_, Earle _Edwine_, Earle _Morchar_, and diuers others of the Nobilitie: who gaue pledges for their allegiance, and were thereupon receiued to subiection and fauour. The Duke presently dispatched to _London_, was receiued with many declarations of ioy, the lesser in heart, the fairer in appearance, and vpon _Christmas day_ next following was crowned King.

Now the meanes whereby this victory was[21] assured, were the very same whereby it was atchieued; euen by a stiffe and rigorous hand. For whosoeuer supposeth that a State atteined by force, can be reteined by milder meanes, he shall find himselfe disappointed of his hopes. A people newly subdued by force, will so long remaine in obedience, as they finde themselues not of force to resist.

And first he endeauoured either to preuent or appease all forren warres, especially against the _Danes_, who were then chiefly feared in _England_, as well in regard of their former victories, as for that they pretended title to the Crowne. And herein two things did especially fauour his affaires. One, for that the _Normans_ were in some sort allied to the _Danes_; being the progenie of those _Noruegians_ and _Danes_, which vnder the conduct and fortune of _Rollo_ inuaded _France_, & after many great atchieuements, seated in _Normandie_. The other was, for that after the death of _Canutus_, the state of _Denmarke_ was much infeebled by diuision. For the _Noruegians_ set vp _Magnus_ the sonne of _Olaus_ for their King; but the _Danes_ acknowledged _Canutus_ the third of that name: by meanes whereof that puissant empire did languish in consumption of it selfe, and could not be dangerous to any neighbour Countrey. Yet ceased they not for many yeeres, to continue claime to the Crowne of _England_: But King _William_ had purchased many sure and secret friends in that diseased state, wherein all publike affaires were set to sale; especially he vsed the authoritie of _Adelbert_, Archbishop of _Hamburgh_, either to crosse all counsaile of hostilitie against him, or else to delay, and thereby to delude the enterprise, or lastly so to manage the action, that it should not worke any dangerous effect.

After the death of _Swaine_, _Canutus_ prepared a Nauie of one thousand saile for inuasion of _England_; and was aided with sixe hundred more by _Robert le Frizon_, whose daughter hee had taken to wife. But either for want, or else by negligence, or happily of purpose, this Nauie continued, partly in preparation, and partly in a readinesse, the space of two yeeres, and then the voyage was layd aside. The cause was attributed to contrarietie of winds; but the contrariety of wils was the truest impediment. Likewise _Swaine_ had furnished against _England_ a Nauie of 200. sayle, commanded by Earle _Osborne_ his brother. Another fleete of 200. saile was set foorth vnder the charge of Earle _Hacon_: But King _William_ so corrupted them both, that the one departed out of the Realme without performing any great exploit, the other neuer would arriue.

Also out of these confusions in _England_, _Malcolme_ King of Scots, did take his opportunitie for action. Hee receiued into protection many _English_, who either for feare, or for discontentment, forsooke their Countrey; of whom many families in _Scotland_ are descended, and namely these; _Lindsey_, _Vaus_, _Ramsey_, _Louell_, _Towbris_, _Sandlands_, _Bissart_, _Sowlis_, _Wardlaw_, _Maxwell_, with diuers others. Hee entertained into his Court _Edgar Atheling_; and tooke his sister _Margaret_ to wife. He possessed himselfe of a great part of _Cumberland_, and of _Northumberland_; wherewith the people were well content, for that hee was their Earles sisters sonne.

Hereupon King _William_ sent against him, first, _Roger_ a _Norman_, who was traiterously slaine by his owne Souldiers, then _Gospatrick_, Earle of _Gloucester_: These did onely represse the enemie, but were not able to finish the warre fully. Lastly, hee went himselfe with a mighty armie into _Scotland_, where hee made wide waste, and in _Lothiam_ found King _Malcolme_, prepared both in force and resolution to entertaine him with battell. The great armie of King _William_, their faire furniture and order, their sudden comming, but especially their firme countenance and readinesse to fight, much daunted the _Scots_: whereupon King _Malcolme_ sent a Herault to King _William_, to mooue him to some agreement of peace. The more that the King was pleased herewith, the more hee seemed vnwilling and strange: the more he must be perswaded to that, which if it had not bin offered, he would haue desired. At the last, a peace was concluded, vpon conditions honourable for King _William_, and not vnreasonable for the King of _Scots_: whereby all the _English_ were pardoned, who had fled into _Scotland_, and borne armes against their King.

As for the _Welsh_, albeit both their courage and their power had been extreamely broken in the time of King _Edward_, and that by the valour and industry of _Harold_; yet vpon aduantage of these troubled times, they made some incursions into the borders of _England_; but in companies so disordered and small, so secretly assaulting, so suddenly retiring, so desirous more of pillage then of blood, that they seemed more like to ordinarie robbers then to enemies in field. Against these the King ledde an armie into _Wales_, reduced the people both to subiection and quiet, made all the principall men tributary vnto him, receiued pledges of all, for assurance of their obedience and faith.

Whilest the King thus setled his affaires abroad, he secured himselfe against his subiects,[22] not by altering their will, but by taking away their power to rebell. The stoutest of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen were spent, either by warre, or by banishment, or by voluntary auoidance out of the Realme. All these hee stripped of their states, and in place of them aduanced his _Normans_: insomuch as scarce any noble family of the _English_ blood did beare either office or authoritie within the Realme. And these ranne headlong to seruitude; the more hasty and with the fairer shew, the more either countenanced or safe. These he did assure vnto him, not onely by oath of fidelitie and homage, but either by pledges, or else by reteining them alwaies by his side.

And because at that time the Clergie were the principall strings of the _English_ strength, he permitted not any of the _English_ Nation to be aduanced to the dignities of the Church, but furnished them with _Normans_, and other strangers. And whereas in times before, the Bishop and Alderman were absolute Iudges in euery Shire, and the Bishop in many causes shared in forfeitures and penalties with the King; he clipped the wings of their Temporall power, and confined them within the limits of their Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction; to maintaine the Canons and customes of the Church, to deale in affaires concerning the soule. He procured _Stigand_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_, _Agelwine_ Bishop of _East-Angles_, and certaine other Bishops and Abbots, to be depriued by authoritie from _Rome_, and deteined them in prison during their liues, that strangers might enioy their places. The matters obiected against _Stigand_ were these.

1 _That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke whilest Robert the
Archb. was in life._

2 _That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the fifth, who for buying
the Papacie had bene deposed._

3 _That hee kept the Sea of Winchester in his handes, after his
inuestiture into the Sea of Canterburie._

He was otherwise also infamous in life; altogether vnlearned, of heauie iudgement and vnderstanding, sottishly seruiceable both to pleasure and sloath; in couetousnesse beneath the basenesse of rusticitie: insomuch as he would often sweare, that he had not one penie vpon the earth, and yet by a key which hee did weare about his necke, great treasures of his were found vnder the ground. And this was a griefe and sicknesse to honest mindes, that such spurious and impure creatures should susteine, or rather destaine the reuerence and maiestie of Religion.

Further, the King caused all the Monasteries and Abbeys to be searched, pretending that the richer sort of the _English_ had layd vp their money in them: vnder colour whereof he discouered the state of all, and bereaued many of their owne treasure. Some of these Religious houses he appropriated wholly to himselfe; of diuers others he seized the liberties, which they redeemed afterward at a very high and excessiue rate. Those Bishopricks and Abbeis which held Baronies, and had bene free before from secular subiection, he reduced vnder the charge of his seruice; appointing how many Souldiers, and of what sort, they should furnish for him and his successours in the time of their warres. Those strangers which he entertained in pay, he dispersed into Religious houses, and some also among the Nobilitie, to be maintained at their charge: whereby he not onely fauoured his owne purse, but had them as a watch, and sometimes as a garrison ouer those, of whose alleageance he stood in doubt.