CHAPTER LIV.

BEAUCLERC AND CURTHOSE:--Ralph Flambard, "the fighting bishop," is imprisoned--Flambard incites Curthose to invade England--Curthose embarks for England--Curthose sells his birthright--Resigns his pension in favour of the queen--His indignation at finding himself duped--The castle of Rouen--Beauclerc proposes to purchase Normandy--Being refused, he prepares to take it by force--Tinchebray--The battle--Fortune against the English--Treason!--Nigel de Albini--Curthose and Atheling captured--Curthose imprisoned in Cardiff--Attempts to escape--Is subjected to a rigorous durance--Edgar Atheling's old age