CHAPTER IX.

HAROLD, THE SAXON KING:--Harold's personal appearance--Harold's first appearance in national affairs--His great military reputation--Harold proposes to visit Normandy--King Edward tries to dissuade him--He sets out--His cordial reception by Duke William--Harold accompanies William in a war against the Bretons--William extorts a promise from Harold to aid him in obtaining the English crown--Death of Edward the Confessor