Part 3

Duke _William_ sent diuers Ambassadours to _Harold_; 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: but _Harold_ was the more aduenturous, _William_ the more aduised man: _Harold_ was more strong in Souldiers, _William_ in Alies and friends.

_Harold_ was seated in possession, which in case of a kingdome is oftentimes with facilitie attained, but retained hardly: _William_ pretended the donation of King _Edward_, 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. _Attalus_ king of _Pergamus_[9] did constitute the people of _Rome_ his heire; by force wherof they made his kingdome a part of their empire. _Nicomedes_ King of _Bithynia_[10] made the people of _Rome_ likewise his heire; whereupon his kingdome was reduced to the forme of a Prouince. So _Alexander_ King of _Egypt_,[11] gaue _Alexandria_ and the kingdome of _Egypt_; and so _Ptolemie_ gaue the kingdome of _Cyrene_ to the same people of _Rome_. _Prasutagus_[12] one of the kings of great _Britaine_, gaue the kingdome of the _Iceni_ to _Caesar Nero_, and to his daughters. Yea, in the Imperial state of _Rome_, _Augustus_ designed _Tiberius_ to be his successour; and by like appointment _Nero_ became successour to _Claudius_; _Traiane_ to _Nerua_; _Antonius Pius_ to _Adrian_; and _Antoninus_ the Philosopher to another _Antoninus_. When the Emperour _Galba_[13] did openly appoint _Piso_ for his successour, he declared to the people, that the same custome had been obserued by most approued and ancient Princes. _Iugurth_ being adopted by _Mycipsa_,[14] succeeded him in the kingdome of _Numidia_; and that by the iudgement as well of _Mycipsa_ himselfe, as of the Senate and people of _Rome_.

The holy histories report that _Salomon_[15] gaue twentie cities to _Hiram_ king of _Tyre_: and if the argument be good from the part to the whole, he might in like sort haue disposed of all his kingdome. Who hath not heard of the donation falsly attributed to _Constantine_ the great, being in trueth the donation of _Lewis_, sirnamed the pious; whereby he gaue to Pope _Paschal_ the citie of _Rome_, and a large territorie adioyning vnto it; the instrument of which gift _Volaterrane_[16] doth recite. So the Ladie _Matild_, daughter to _Roger_ the most famous Prince of _Cicilie_, and wife to king _Conrade_, sonne to _Henrie_[17] the 4. Emperour, gaue the Marquisate of _Apulia_ to the Bishop of _Rome_: which when the Emperour _Otho_ the 4. refused to deliuer, hee was for that cause excommunicate by the Pope. In like sort the countrey of _Daulphin_[18] was giuen by Prince _Vmbert_ to the King of _France_, vpon condition, that the eldest sonne of _France_ should afterward be called _Daulphine_. Lastly, the Dukes first auncestor _Rollo_, receiued the Dukedome of _Normandie_ by donation of _Charles_ King of _France_: And himselfe held the Countie of _Maine_ by donation of Earle _Herebert_, as before it is shewed. And by donation of the King of _Britaine_, _Hengist_ obtained _Kent_; the first kingdome of the English Saxons in _Britaine_. After which time the Countrey was neuer long time free from inuasion: first, by the English and Saxons against the Britaines, afterward by the seuen _Saxon_ kingdomes among themselues, and then lastly by the _Danes_. 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 King _William_ the second.

Touching his propinquity in blood to King _Edward_ by the mothers side, he enforced it to be a good title: because King _Edward_ not long before had taken succession from _Hardicanutus_, to whom hee was brother by the mothers side. And although King _Edward_ was also descended from the _Saxon_ Kings, yet could not he deriue from them any right: For that _Edgar_ and his sisters were then aliue, descended from _Edmund Ironside_, elder brother to King _Edward_. Hee could haue no true right of succession, but onely from _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. So _Pepine_, when he was possessed of the State of _France_, did openly publish, that hee was descended of the blood of _Charles_ the Great, by the mothers side. And albeit the said _Edgar_ was both neerer to King _Edward_ then the Duke of _Normandie_, and also ioyned to him in blood by the fathers side; yet was that no sufficient defence for _Harold_. The vsurped possession of _Harold_[19] could not be defended, by alleaging a better title of a third person. The iniurie which hee did to _Edgar_, 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 King _Edward_, he imparted to the Bishop of _Rome_; 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 of _England_ of the Apostolike Sea. Hereupon _Alexander_ then Bishop of _Rome_ allowed his title, and sent vnto him a white hallowed banner, to aduance vpon the prowe of his ship: also an _Agnus Dei_ of gold, and one of S. _Peters_ haires, together with his blessing to begin the enterprise.

But now concerning his further proceedings, concerning his victorious both entrance and continuance within the Realme of _England_, 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_: King _Edward_ not long before made a manifest way for this inuasion and change. For although he was _English_ by birth, yet by reason of his education in _Normandie_, he was altogether become a _Normane_, both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as in imitation of him, the _English_ abandoned the ancient vsages of their Country, and with great affection or affectation rather, conformed themselues to the fashions of _France_.[20] His chiefe acquaintance and familiar friends were no other then _Normans_; 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 Duke _William_ afterward was both animated & aided in his exploit. Generally as the whole Clergie of _England_ conceiued a hard opinion of _Harold_; for that vpon the same day wherein King _Edward_ was 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 the _Normans_. Now of what strength the Clergie was at that time within the Realme, by this which followeth it may appeare.

After that _Harold_ was slaine, _Edwine_ and _Morcar_ Earles of _Northumberland_ and _Marckland_, brothers of great both authoritie and power within the Realme, had induced many of the Nobilitie to declare _Edgar Athelinge_ to be their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed that purpose, but deliuered _Edgar_ the next heire from the _Saxon_ Kings to the pleasure of the Duke.

Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie at _Hastings_ aduanced his armie towards _Hartford-shire_; _Fredericke_ Abbot of _S. Albanes_ had caused the woods belonging to his Church 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 of _Berkhamstead_. 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 King _Harold_ or his cause: for that he was a manifest vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, pretending onely as borne of the daughter of _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. Yea he was infamous both for his iniurie and periurie towards the Duke, and no lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie in former times, in bearing Armes with his father against King _Edward_. Hereupon the Nobilitie of the Realme were broken into factions. Many (of whom his owne brother _Tosto_ was chiefe) inuited _Harold_ King of _Norway_ to inuade; with whom whilest _Harold_ of _England_ was incountring in Armes, the residue drew in Duke _William_ out of _Normandie_. And these also were diuided in respects. Some were caried by particular ends, as being prepared in diuers maner by the _Normane_ before 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 of _Normandie_ vnto 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 for _Edgar Atheling_, the next successour to the Crowne in right of blood, he was not of sufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; not gracious to the _English_, 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 Duke _William_ hauing 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, albeit _Normandie_ was but little in regard of _England_, 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 of _England_, 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 to conteine, 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 which _William Fitz-Auber_ did furnish 40. ships with men and munition; The Bishop of _Baieux_ likewise 40: the Bishop of _Mans_ 30: and in like sort others, according to the proportion of their estates.

And yet he drew not his forces onely out of _Normandie_, but receiued aide from all parts of _France_; answerable not onely to his necessitie, but almost to his desire. _Philip_ King of _France_ at that time was vnder age, and _Baldwine_ Earle of _Flanders_ was gouernour of the Realme; whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. By his fauour the Duke receiued large supplies from the state of _France_, both in treasure and in men of warre: for countenance whereof it was giuen foorth, that the Duke should hold the Realme of _England_ as hee did the Duchie of _Normandie_, vnder homage to the Crowne of _France_. Hereupon diuers Princes of _France_ did adioyne to his aide; and especially the Duke of _Orleance_, the Earles of _Britaine_, _Aniou_, _Boloigne_, _Ponthieu_, _Neuers_, _Poictou_, _Hiesmes_, _Aumale_, and the Lord of _Tours_. 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 the _Emperour Henry_ 4. sent him certaine troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a Prince of _Almaine_. Hee receiued also many promises of fauour from _Swaine_ King of _Denmarke_. And who can assure (for the sequele maketh the coniecture probable) that he held not intelligence with _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, to inuade _England_ with 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 of _Normans_, _Flemings_, _French_ and _Britaines_, 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 of _Harold Harfager_ K. of _Norway_: knowing right well, that the inuasion of _Harold_ of _Norway_ vpon the North parts of the realme, would draw away _Harold_ of _England_ to leaue the coasts towards the South vndefended.

During his abode at S. _Valeries_, certaine English espials were taken, whom King _Harold_ had 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._ Many _Normans_ disliked this open dealing of the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the valour and experience of King _Harold_; 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 Duke turned, 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._

Now _Harold_ King of _England_ had prepared a fleet to resist the inuasion of the duke of _Normandie_: but by reason of his long stay at S. _Valeries_, speeches did spread, whether by error or subornation, yea, assured aduertisement was sent out of _Flanders_, that he had for that yeere abandoned his enterprise. In the meane time _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, then whom no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing assured both intelligence and aide out of _England_, arriued in the mouth of _Humber_: and from thence drawing vp against the streame of the riuer _Owse_, landed at a place called _Richhall_. Here he Marshalled his Armie, and marched foorth into the Countrey: and when hee came neere vnto _Yorke_, he was encountred by the _English_, led by _Edwine_ and _Morchar_ the principall commanders of all those quarters. The fight was furious, but in the end the _English_ were ouerthrowne, and with a great slaughter chased into _Yorke_.

Vpon aduertisement hereof, _Harold_ King of _England_ caried all his forces against _Harfager_. His readinesse was such, and such his expedition, that the fifth day after the fight before mentioned he gaue him battell againe; wherein _Harold Harfager_ was slaine, and so was _Tosto_ the King of _Englands_ brother: _Tosto_ by an vncertaine enemie, but _Harfager_ by the hand of _Harold_ of _England_. Their armie also was routed, and with a bloody execution pursued, so long as day and furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier of _Norway_ was most famous almost for a miracle of manhood. He had been appointed with certaine others, to guard the passage at _Stamford_ bridge. The residue vpon approach of the English forsooke their charge; but hee alone stepped to the foote of the Bridge, and with 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 King _Harold_ had 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 to _Yorke_, 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 of _Normandie_ receiuing intelligence, that the Sea-coasts were left naked of defence, loosed from S. _Valeries_ with three hundred, or, as some writers report, 896, or, as one _Norman_ writer affirmes, with more then one thousand saile: and hauing a gentle gale, arriued at _Pemsey_ in _Sussex_, vpon the 28. of September. The ship wherein the Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne for the 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 of_ England. _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 of _England_, giuen to him by his cousin King _Edward_, the last lawfull possessor at that time thereof.

2 To reuenge the death of his cousin _Alfred_, brother to the same K. _Edward_, and of the _Normans_, who did accompanie him into _England_; no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by Earle _Goodwin_ and his adherents.

3 To reuenge the iniurie done vnto _Robert_ Archbishop of Canterburie; who by the practise (as it was then giuen foorth) of _Harold_, had been exiled in the life time of King _Edward_.

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 to _Hastings_; 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 when _Fitz-Osberne_ who 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.