CHAPTER XVII.

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