CHAPTER XL.

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