Cæsariem Cæsar tibi si natura negauit,Hanc Willielme tibi stella comata dedit.
Cæsariem Cæsar tibi si natura negauit,Hanc Willielme tibi stella comata dedit.
DukeWilliamsent diuers Ambassadours toHarold; first to demaund perfourmance of his oath, afterward to mooue him to some moderate agreement. But ambition, a reasonlesse and restlesse humour, made him obstinate against all offers or inducements of peace. So they prepared to buckle in armes; equall both in courage and in ambitious desires, equall in confidence of their fortune: butHaroldwas the more aduenturous,Williamthe more aduised man:Haroldwas more strong in Souldiers,Williamin Alies and friends.
Haroldwas seated in possession, which in case of a kingdome is oftentimes with facilitie attained, but retained hardly:Williampretended the donation of KingEdward, and that he was neere vnto him in blood by the mothers side.
Now there wanted not precedents, both ancient and of later times, that free kingdomes and principalities, not setled by custome in succession of blood, haue been transported euen to strangers by way of guift.Attalusking ofPergamus[9]did constitute the people ofRomehis heire; by force wherof they made his kingdome a part of their empire.NicomedesKingofBithynia[10]made the people ofRomelikewise his heire; whereupon his kingdome was reduced to the forme of a Prouince. SoAlexanderKing ofEgypt,[11]gaueAlexandriaand the kingdome ofEgypt; and soPtolemiegaue the kingdome ofCyreneto the same people ofRome.Prasutagus[12]one of the kings of greatBritaine, gaue the kingdome of theIcenitoCæsar Nero, and to his daughters. Yea, in the Imperial state ofRome,AugustusdesignedTiberiusto be his successour; and by like appointmentNerobecame successour toClaudius;TraianetoNerua;Antonius PiustoAdrian; andAntoninusthe Philosopher to anotherAntoninus. When the EmperourGalba[13]did openly appointPisofor his successour, he declared to the people, that the same custome had been obserued by most approued and ancient Princes.Iugurthbeing adopted byMycipsa,[14]succeeded him in the kingdome ofNumidia; and that by the iudgement as well ofMycipsahimselfe, as of the Senate and people ofRome.
The holy histories report thatSalomon[15]gaue twentie cities toHiramking ofTyre: and if the argument be good from the part to the whole, he might in like sort haue disposed of all hiskingdome. Who hath not heard of the donation falsly attributed toConstantinethe great, being in trueth the donation ofLewis, sirnamed the pious; whereby he gaue to PopePaschalthe citie ofRome, and a large territorie adioyning vnto it; the instrument of which giftVolaterrane[16]doth recite. So the LadieMatild, daughter toRogerthe most famous Prince ofCicilie, and wife to kingConrade, sonne toHenrie[17]the 4. Emperour, gaue the Marquisate ofApuliato the Bishop ofRome: which when the EmperourOthothe 4. refused to deliuer, hee was for that cause excommunicate by the Pope. In like sort the countrey ofDaulphin[18]was giuen by PrinceVmbertto the King ofFrance, vpon condition, that the eldest sonne ofFranceshould afterward be calledDaulphine. Lastly, the Dukes first auncestorRollo, receiued the Dukedome ofNormandieby donation ofCharlesKing ofFrance: And himselfe held the Countie ofMaineby donation of EarleHerebert, as before it is shewed. And by donation of the King ofBritaine,HengistobtainedKent; the first kingdome of the English Saxons inBritaine. After which time the Countrey was neuer long time free from inuasion: first, bythe English and Saxons against the Britaines, afterward by the seuenSaxonkingdomes among themselues, and then lastly by theDanes. By meanes whereof the kingdome at that time could not bee setled in any certaine forme of succession by blood, as it hath been since; but was held for the most part in absolute dominion, and did often passe by transaction or gift: and he whose sword could cut best, was alwaies adiudged to haue most right. But of this question more shall hereafter be said, in the beginning of the life of KingWilliamthe second.
Touching his propinquity in blood to KingEdwardby the mothers side, he enforced it to be a good title: because KingEdwardnot long before had taken succession fromHardicanutus, to whom hee was brother by the mothers side. And although KingEdwardwas also descended from theSaxonKings, yet could not he deriue from them any right: For thatEdgarand his sisters were then aliue, descended fromEdmund Ironside, elder brother to KingEdward. Hee could haue no true right of succession, but onely fromHardicanutustheDane. SoPepine, when he was possessed of the State ofFrance, did openly publish, that hee was descended ofthe blood ofCharlesthe Great, by the mothers side. And albeit the saidEdgarwas both neerer to KingEdwardthen the Duke ofNormandie, and also ioyned to him in blood by the fathers side; yet was that no sufficient defence forHarold. The vsurped possession ofHarold[19]could not be defended, by alleaging a better title of a third person. The iniurie which hee did toEdgar, could not serue him for a title against any other.
These grounds of his pretence, beautified with large amplifications of the benefits which he had done to KingEdward, he imparted to the Bishop ofRome; who at time was reputed the arbitrator of controuersies which did rise betweene princes. And the rather to procure his fauour, and to gaine the countenance of religion to his cause, hee promised to hold the kingdome ofEnglandof the Apostolike Sea. HereuponAlexanderthen Bishop ofRomeallowed his title, and sent vnto him a white hallowed banner, to aduance vpon the prowe of his ship: also anAgnus Deiof gold, and one of S.Petershaires, together with his blessing to begin the enterprise.
But now concerning his further proceedings, concerning his victorious both entrance and cōtinuance within the Realme ofEngland, 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: KingEdwardnot long before made a manifest way for this inuasion and change. For although he wasEnglishby birth, yet by reason of his education inNormandie, he was altogether become aNormane, both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as in imitation of him, theEnglishabandoned the ancient vsages of their Country, and with great affection or affectation rather, conformed themselues to the fashions ofFrance.[20]His chiefe acquaintance and familiar friends were no other thenNormans; 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 DukeWilliamafterward was both animated & aided in his exploit. Generally as the whole ClergieofEnglandconceiued a hard opinion ofHarold; for that vpon the same day wherein KingEdwardwas 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 theNormans. Now of what strength the Clergie was at that time within the Realme, by this which followeth it may appeare.
After thatHaroldwas slaine,EdwineandMorcarEarles ofNorthumberlandandMarckland, brothers of great both authoritie and power within the Realme, had induced many of the Nobilitie to declareEdgar Athelingeto be their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed that purpose, but deliueredEdgarthe next heire from theSaxonKings to the pleasure of the Duke.
Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie atHastingsaduanced his armie towardsHartford-shire;FrederickeAbbot ofS. Albaneshad caused the woods belonging to hisChurch 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 ofBerkhamstead. 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 KingHaroldor his cause: for that he was a manifest vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, pretending onely as borne of the daughter ofHardicanutustheDane. Yea he was infamous both for his iniurie and periurie towards theDuke, and no lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie in former times, in bearing Armes with his father against KingEdward. Hereupon the Nobilitie of the Realme were broken into factions. Many (of whom his owne brotherTostowas chiefe) inuitedHaroldKing ofNorwayto inuade; with whom whilestHaroldofEnglandwas incountring in Armes, the residue drew in DukeWilliamout ofNormandie. And these also were diuided in respects. Some were caried by particular ends, as being prepared in diuers maner by theNormanebefore 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 ofNormandievnto 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 forEdgar Atheling, the next successour to the Crowne in right of blood, he was not ofsufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; not gracious to theEnglish, 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 DukeWilliamhauing 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, albeitNormandiewas but little in regard ofEngland, 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 ofEngland, 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 toconteine, 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 whichWilliam Fitz-Auberdid furnish 40. ships with men and munition; The Bishop ofBaieuxlikewise 40: the Bishop ofMans30: and in like sort others, according to the proportion of their estates.
And yet he drew not his forces onely out ofNormandie, but receiued aide from all parts ofFrance; answerable not onely to his necessitie, but almost to his desire.PhilipKing ofFranceat that time was vnder age, andBaldwineEarle ofFlanderswas gouernour of the Realme; whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. By his fauour the Duke receiued large supplies from the state ofFrance, both in treasure and in men of warre: for countenance whereof it was giuen foorth, that the Duke should hold the Realme ofEnglandas hee did the Duchie ofNormandie, vnder homage to the Crowne ofFrance. Hereupon diuers Princes ofFrancedid adioyne to his aide; and especially the Duke ofOrleance, the Earles ofBritaine,Aniou,Boloigne,Ponthieu,Neuers,Poictou,Hiesmes,Aumale, and the Lord ofTours. 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 theEmperour Henry4. sent him certaine troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a Prince ofAlmaine. Hee receiued also many promises of fauour fromSwaineKing ofDenmarke. And who can assure (for the sequele maketh the coniecture probable) that he held not intelligence withHarold HarfagerKing ofNorway, to inuadeEnglandwith 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 ofNormans,Flemings,FrenchandBritaines, 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 ofHarold HarfagerK. ofNorway:knowing right well, that the inuasion ofHaroldofNorwayvpon the North parts of the realme, would draw awayHaroldofEnglandto leaue the coasts towards the South vndefended.
During his abode at S.Valeries, certaine English espials were taken, whom KingHaroldhad 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.ManyNormansdisliked this open dealing of the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the valour and experience of KingHarold; 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 Duketurned, 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.
NowHaroldKing ofEnglandhad prepared a fleet to resist the inuasion of the duke ofNormandie: but by reason of his long stay at S.Valeries, speeches did spread, whether by error or subornation, yea, assured aduertisement was sent out ofFlanders, that he had for that yeere abandoned his enterprise. In the meane timeHarold HarfagerKing ofNorway, then whom no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing assured both intelligence and aide out ofEngland, arriued in the mouth ofHumber: and from thence drawing vp against the streame ofthe riuerOwse, landed at a place calledRichhall. Here he Marshalled his Armie, and marched foorth into the Countrey: and when hee came neere vntoYorke, he was encountred by theEnglish, led byEdwineandMorcharthe principall commanders of all those quarters. The fight was furious, but in the end theEnglishwere ouerthrowne, and with a great slaughter chased intoYorke.
Vpon aduertisement hereof,HaroldKing ofEnglandcaried all his forces againstHarfager. His readinesse was such, and such his expedition, that the fifth day after the fight before mentioned he gaue him battell againe; whereinHarold Harfagerwas slaine, and so wasTostothe King ofEnglandsbrother:Tostoby an vncertaine enemie, butHarfagerby the hand ofHaroldofEngland. Their armie also was routed, and with a bloody execution pursued, so long as day and furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier ofNorwaywas most famous almost for a miracle of manhood. He had been appointed with certaine others, to guard the passage atStamfordbridge. The residue vpon approach of the English forsooke their charge; but hee alone stepped to the foote of the Bridge, andwith 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 KingHaroldhad 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 toYorke, 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 ofNormandiereceiuing intelligence, that the Sea-coasts were left naked of defence, loosed from S.Valerieswith three hundred, or, as some writers report, 896, or, as oneNormanwriter affirmes, with more then one thousand saile: and hauing a gentle gale, arriued atPemseyinSussex, vpon the 28. of September. The ship wherein the Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne forthe 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 ofEngland.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 ofEngland, giuen to him by his cousin KingEdward, the last lawfull possessor at that time thereof.
2 To reuenge the death of his cousinAlfred,brother to the same K.Edward, and of theNormans, who did accompanie him intoEngland; no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by EarleGoodwinand his adherents.
3 To reuenge the iniurie done vntoRobertArchbishop of Canterburie; who by the practise (as it was then giuen foorth) ofHarold, had been exiled in the life time of KingEdward.
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 toHastings; 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 whenFitz-Osbernewho 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.Haroldhearing of these approches, hasted by great iourneyes towardsLondon; 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 againstHarfager, 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 himwith 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.Haroldspent 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. ButHaroldwith vndaunted countenance and heart, conducted his Armie intoSussex, and encamped within seuen miles of theNormans: who thereupon approched so neere to theEnglish, 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 theNormans. WhereuponGirth, yonger brother to KingHaroldpresented 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 themseluesdissolue.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 byHarold: 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 Generallan 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 theNormans, 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 theNormansent a Monke to offer the choise of these conditions toHarold; 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 ofNormandyor ofEngland, which he would. Againe, some conditions were propounded from K.Haroldto 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. TheEnglishspent the time in feasting and drinking, and made the aire ring with showtings and songs: theNormanswere 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 faceand gesture victorie did sit. The Duke put certaine reliques about his necke, vpon which KingHaroldhad 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.
TheEnglishwere knit in one maine body on foot; whereof the first rancks consisted ofKentishmen(who by an ancient custome did challenge the honour of that place,) the next were filled withLondoners; then followed the otherEnglish. 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,GirthandLeofwine; 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, theNormanswere diuided into three battailes: Thefirst was conducted byRoger Montgomerie, andWilliam Fitz-Osborne; it consisted of horsemen ofAniou,MaineandBritaine, commanded by aBritainenamedFergent; It caried the Banner which the Pope had sent. The middle battaile consisting of Souldiers out ofGermanieandPoictou, was led byGeoffrye Martell, and a Prince ofAlmaine. The Duke himselfe closed the last battaile, with the strength of hisNormansand 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 fellowNormansin subduing the Kingdome ofSicill, 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 andin 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 theDanes; 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.
TheNormansmarched with a song of the valiant acts ofRowland, 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 Beaumontea yong Gentleman ofNormandie, beginning the fight from the right Wing. This maner of fight as it was new, so was it most terrible to theEnglish, 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 theEnglishreceiued 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 greatestpart 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 theEnglishso 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 KingHaroldalso 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 theEnglishin 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 theEnglishcould 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 theEnglish, 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. TheNormansespying the aduantage to be ripe, made a stiffe stand, redoubled vpon theEnglish, and pressing on with a furie equall to their fauourable fortune, with a cruell butchery brake intothem. On the other side it is scarce credible with what strength both of courage and hand theEnglisheuen 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 theNormans, did continually beate vpon theEnglishwith a grieuous execution. Among other KingHaroldabout 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,GirthandLeofwinewere 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 tocommend 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 theNormans; but theEnglishhauing gotten aduantage of the place, and drawing courage out of despaire, with a bloody charge did driue them downe. CountEustachiussupposing 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 noblestNormanswere slaine, which mooued the Duke to make a strong ordered stand, giuing libertie therby for thoseEnglishto retire. Others fled through a watery channell, the passages whereof were well knowen vnto them: and when theNormansdid 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 destroyedby theEnglish, 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. EarleEdwineand EarleMorchar, brothers of approoued both courage and faith, did great seruice at that time, in collecting these dispersed Troupes, and leading them in some fashion toLondon.
DukeWilliamsurprised 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 theEnglishto do the like. The bodie of KingHaroldcould 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, aNormanSouldier did strike it into the legge with his sword: for which vnmanly acte he wascassed by the Duke with open disgrace. It was caried into the Dukes Pauilion, vnder the custodie ofWilliam 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 oneNormanwriter 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 atWaltham Crossewithin 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 theNormanswereslaine 6000 and more, besides those that were drowned and beaten downe in the water. The slaughter of theEnglishis vncertainely reported, but certainely it was farre greater then that of theNormans. 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 theNormansfirst brought into this land. Afterward theEnglishbeing 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 andforce. 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 toHastings, about seuen miles from theplace 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 KingHaroldsStanderd, which represented a man fighting, wrought curiously with golde and precious stones. Afterwards placing a strong garrison atHastings, he conducted his Armie towardsLondon: not the direct way, but coasted about through part ofKent, throughSussex,Surrey,HampshireandBarkeshire: the wayes where hee passed being as free from resistance, as his thoughts were from change. AtWallingfordhe passed ouer theThames; and then marched forward throughOxford-shire,Buckingham-shire, andHartford-shire, vntill he came to the Castle atBerkhamstead. 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 theEnglish, 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 theEnglishLords assembled atLondon, 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 declareEdgargrandchild toEdmund Ironside, to be their King: and with these theLondonerswholy 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 ofGod; 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: andAlfredArchb. ofYorke,WolstaneBishop ofWorcester,WilfireB. ofHereford, and manyother Prelates of the Realme went vnto the Duke atBerkhamstead; accompanied withEdgar, EarleEdwine, EarleMorchar, and diuers others of the Nobilitie: who gaue pledges for their allegiance, and were thereupon receiued to subiection and fauour. The Duke presently dispatched toLondon, was receiued with many declarations of ioy, the lesser in heart, the fairer in appearance, and vponChristmas daynext 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 theDanes, who were then chiefly feared inEngland, 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 theNormanswere in some sort allied to theDanes; being the progenie of thoseNoruegiansandDanes, which vnder the conduct and fortune ofRolloinuadedFrance, & after many great atchieuements, seated inNormandie. The other was, for that after the death ofCanutus, the state ofDenmarkewas much infeebled by diuision. For theNoruegiansset vpMagnusthe sonne ofOlausfor their King; but theDanesacknowledgedCanutusthe 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 ofEngland: But KingWilliamhad purchased many sure and secret friends in that diseased state, wherein all publike affaires were set to sale; especially he vsed the authoritie ofAdelbert, Archbishop ofHamburgh, 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 ofSwaine,Canutusprepared a Nauie of one thousand saile for inuasionofEngland; and was aided with sixe hundred more byRobert 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. LikewiseSwainehad furnished againstEnglanda Nauie of 200. sayle, commanded by EarleOsbornehis brother. Another fleete of 200. saile was set foorth vnder the charge of EarleHacon: But KingWilliamso 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 inEngland,MalcolmeKing of Scots, did take his opportunitie for action. Hee receiued into protection manyEnglish, who either for feare, or for discontentment, forsooke their Countrey; of whom many families inScotlandare descended, and namely these;Lindsey,Vaus,Ramsey,Louell,Towbris,Sandlands,Bissart,Sowlis,Wardlaw,Maxwell, with diuers others. Heeentertained into his CourtEdgar Atheling; and tooke his sisterMargaretto wife. He possessed himselfe of a great part ofCumberland, and ofNorthumberland; wherewith the people were well content, for that hee was their Earles sisters sonne.
Hereupon KingWilliamsent against him, first,RogeraNorman, who was traiterously slaine by his owne Souldiers, thenGospatrick, Earle ofGloucester: These did onely represse the enemie, but were not able to finish the warre fully. Lastly, hee went himselfe with a mighty armie intoScotland, where hee made wide waste, and inLothiamfound KingMalcolme, prepared both in force and resolution to entertaine him with battell. The great armie of KingWilliam, their faire furniture and order, their sudden comming, but especially their firme countenance and readinesse to fight, much daunted theScots: whereupon KingMalcolmesent a Herault to KingWilliam, 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. Atthe last, a peace was concluded, vpon conditions honourable for KingWilliam, and not vnreasonable for the King ofScots: whereby all theEnglishwere pardoned, who had fled intoScotland, and borne armes against their King.
As for theWelsh, albeit both their courage and their power had been extreamely broken in the time of KingEdward, and that by the valour and industry ofHarold; yet vpon aduantage of these troubled times, they made some incursions into the borders ofEngland; 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 intoWales, 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 voluntaryauoidance out of the Realme. All these hee stripped of their states, and in place of them aduanced hisNormans: insomuch as scarce any noble family of theEnglishblood 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 theEnglishstrength, he permitted not any of theEnglishNation to be aduanced to the dignities of the Church, but furnished them withNormans, 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 procuredStigandArchbishop ofCanterburie,AgelwineBishop ofEast-Angles, and certaine other Bishops and Abbots, to be depriued by authoritie fromRome, and deteined them in prison during their liues, that strangers might enioy their places. The matters obiected againstStigandwere these.
1That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke whilest Robert the Archb. was in life.2That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the fifth, who for buying the Papacie had bene deposed.3That hee kept the Sea of Winchester in his handes, after his inuestiture into the Sea of Canterburie.
1That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke whilest Robert the Archb. was in life.
2That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the fifth, who for buying the Papacie had bene deposed.
3That 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 theEnglishhad 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.
Now against the inferiour sort of people, knowing right well that hee was generally hated, hee prepared these remedies for his estate: All their armour was taken from them, theywere crushed downe with change of calamity, which held them prostrate vnder yoke, and brake the very heart of their courage: leauing them no hope to be relieued, no hope to rise into any degree of libertie, but by yeelding entire obedience vnto him. Those who either resisted or fauoured not his first entrance, he bereaued of all meanes afterward to offend him; holding them downe, and keeping them so lowe, that their very impotencie made him secure. All such as had their hand in any rebellion, albeit they were pardoned their liues, lost their liuings, and became vassals to those Lords to whom their possessions were giuen. And if they attained any thing afterward, they held it onely at the pleasure of their Lords; at the pleasure of their Lords they might bee despoyled.
Hee much condemned the iudgement ofSwanustheDane, sometimes King ofEngland, who permitted those whom hee had vanquished, to retaine their former both authoritie and estates: whereby it happened, that after his death, the inhabitants were of force to expell the strangers, and to quit themselues both from their societie and subiection. Hereuponmany seuere lawes were made; diuers of all sorts were put to death, banished, stripped of their wealth, disabled in their bodies by vnusuall variety of punishments; as putting out the eyes, cutting off the hands and such like: not onely to diminish his feares, if they were suspected; but sometimes if they were of wealth, to satisfie therewith either his pleasure or wants. His cruelty made the people rebellious, and their rebellions made him the more cruell; in which case many Innocents were made the oblations of his ambitious feares. Many heauy taxations were imposed vpon them; their ancient Lords were remoued, their ancient lawes and policies of State were dashed to dust; all lay couched vnder the Conquerours sword, to bee newly fashioned by him, as should bee best fitting for his aduantage.
Hee erected Castels in diuers parts of the Realme, of which the Towre neereLondonwas the chiefe, which afterward was increased both in compasse and in strength by addition of the outward walls. In these he planted garrisons ofNormans, as if it had bene in a hostile Countrey; not without oppression to the people although they remained quiet, and sufficient to suppresse them if they should rebell. Thus he secured the Realme against a generall defection; as for particular stirres, they might happily molest him, but endanger him they could not.Exceter,Northumberland, and some other parts did rise against him in armes; but being vnable to maintaine their reuolt, their ouerthrow did much confirme his State.
Hee either imitated or concurred withCæsarin aduise: For, asCæsarinuaded theGermanswhich kept the great forrest ofArdenna, not with his owne Souldiers, but with his aides out ofGallia; gaining thereby victory ouer the one, and securitie from the other, without any dispence of theRomaneblood: so after the Kings great victory against the valiant, but too aduenturous KingHarold, when many of the English fled intoIreland, and from thence with fresh both courage, and supplies returned intoEngland; commaunded by two ofHaroldssonnes; hee encountred them onely withEnglishforces. In the first conflict the Kings partie was ouerthrowen, and the valiant leaderEdnothusslaine, who had bene master of the horses to KingHarold. In the second his enemies were so defeated, as they were neuerable to make head againe. So the victorers being weakened, and the vanquished wasted, the King with pleasure triumphed ouer both. Likewise when he was occasioned to passe the Seas intoNormandie, either to establish affaires of gouernement, or to represse rebellions, which in his absence were many times raised; he drew his forces out ofEngland, and that in a more large proportion then the importance of the seruice did require. Hee also tooke with him the chiefe men ofEnglishblood, as well to vse their aduise and aide, as also to hold them and their friends from working innouation in his absence.
He enclosed the great Forrest neere vnto the Sea inHamshire, for which he dispeopled villages and townes, about the space of thirtie miles, to make a desert for beasts of chase; in which place afterward two of his sonnes,RichardandWilliamended their liues;Richardby a fall from his horse, andWilliamby the stroke of an arrow. The Kings great delight in hunting was made the pretence of this Forrest; but the true end was rather, to make a free place of footing for hisNormansand other friends out of France, in case any great reuolt shouldbe made. Diuers other parts of the Realme were so wasted with his warres, that for want both of Husbandrie and habitation, a great dearth did ensue; whereby many were inforced to eate horses, dogs, cats, rats, and other loathsome and vile vermine: yea, some absteined not from the flesh of men. This famine and desolation did especially rage in the North parts of the Realme. For the inhabitants beyondHumber, fearing the Kings secret hate, so much the more deepe and deadly because vniust; receiued without resistance, and perhaps drew in the Armie of the King ofSueueland, with whomEdgar Athelingand the otherEnglishthat fled intoScotlandioyned their power. TheNormanswithinYorkefired the suburbs, because it should not be a lodging for their enemies: but the strength of the winde caried the flame into the Citie, which consumed a great part thereof, with the Minster of S.Peter, and therein a faire Librarie. And herewith whilest theNormanswere partly busied, and partly amazed, the enemies entred, and slue inYorke, inDuresme, and thereabout, three thousandNormans; among whom were many of eminent dignitie, as well for birth, as for placeof their charge. But in short time the King came vpon them, and hauing partly by Armes, and partly by gifts dispatched the strangers, exercised vpon theEnglishan ancient and assured experience of warre, to represse with maine force a rebellion in a State newly subdued. Insomuch as all the land betweeneDuresmeandYorke, except onely the territorie of S.IohnofBeuerlace, lay waste for the space of nine yeeres, without inhabitants to manure the ground.
And because conspiracies and associations are commonly contriued in the night, he commanded, that in all Townes and villages a Bell should be runge in the euening at eight of the clocke; and that in euery house they should then put foorth their fire and lights, and goe to bed. This custome of ringing a Bell at that houre, in many places is still obserued.
And for that likenesse is a great cause of liking and of loue, he enioyned the chiefe of theEnglish(and these were soone imitated by the rest) to conforme themselues to the fashions ofNormandie, to which they had made themselues no strangers before. Yea, children in the schoole were taught their letters and principles of grammar in theNormanlanguage. Intheir speech, attire, shauing of the beard, seruice at the Table; in their buildings and houshold furniture, they altogether resembled theNormans.
In the beginning of his reigne he ordeined that the Lawes of KingEdwardshould be obserued, together with those Lawes which hee did prescribe: but afterwards he commanded that 9. men should be chosen out of euery shire, to make a true report what were the Lawes and customes of the Realme. Of these hee changed the greatest part, and brought in the customes ofNormandiein their stead: commanding also that causes should be pleaded, and all matters of forme dispatched inFrench. Onely hee permitted certaineDane-Lawes, (which before were chiefly vsed inNorthfolke,Suffolke, andCambridge-shire) to be generally obserued; as hauing great affinitie with hisNorman-customes; both being deriued from one common head.
Likewise at the great suit ofWilliamaNormanthen Bishop ofLondon, he granted a Charter of libertie to that Citie, for enioying the vse of K.EdwardsLawes: a memoriall of which benefite, the Citizens fixed vpon the Bishopsgraue, being in the middest of the great West Ile of S.Pauls. Further, by the counsaile ofStigandArchb. ofCanterburie, and ofEglesineAbbot of S.Augustines(who at that time were the chiefe gouernours ofKent) as the King was riding towardsDouer, atSwanescombetwo mile fromGrauesend, theKentishmen came towards him armed, and bearing boughes in their hands, as if it had bene a moouing wood; they encloased him vpon the sudden, and with a firme countenance, but words well tempered with modestie and respect, they demanded of him the vse of their ancient Liberties and Lawes: that in other matters they would yeeld obedience vnto him: that without this they desired not to liue. The King was content to strike saile to the storme, and to giue them a vaine satisfaction for the present; knowing right well, that the generall customes & Lawes of the residue of the Realme, would in short time ouerflow these particular places. So pledges being giuen on both sides, they conducted him toRochester, and yeelded the Countie ofKentand the Castle ofDouerinto his power.