visit:

much contradiction as to the immediate cause 1060-1066 of Harold's journey; nor are we less in doubt Harold's concerning the minor incidents. [He is said to see p. 277. have been tempest-thrown on Ponthieu, seized in pursuance of local custom by the Count Guido, and liberated from him at William's order. The dramatic circumstances of Harold's oath on concealed relics, are totally unknown to the earlier and only trustworthy annalists.] Whether accident or design conducted him to the court of the Duke of Normandy, is uncertain; and the preceding account of the two wills in favour of William, is an hypothesis collected only from the general bearing of the narrations. William, well aware of Harold's influence, used every endeavour to ensure his future aid; and, in return, William agreed to bestow upon Harold the hand of his daughter, the fair Adela. The English earl promised that he would give up to the Norman duke the castle of Dover, a fortress belonging to him as part of the inheritance of Godwin, and considered as the key of England. He confirmed the engagement by oath, and became the "man," or vassal, of William, whom he acknowledged as his future sovereign.

in Wales.

§ 22. In the meanwhile Harold was rising 1063-1064 in repute. He invaded Wales, and desolated the Harold's war country. Griffith opposed him valiantly, but he was slain by the treachery of his own countryHis gory head was sent to the Confessor as a trophy of victory; his dominions were

men.

1060-1066 bestowed upon his brothers Blethyn and Rhiwallon, who were accessary to the murder. And these princes became the vassals, not only of King Edward, but of Earl Harold, to whom they performed fealty and homage. As Earl of Wessex, Harold could have no claim to this obedience, and if enforced by him, the act can only be construed as an attempt to establish a sovereign power.

Jan. 5, 1066

Confessor.

Edward was now rapidly declining in health; he had rebuilt the ancient Abbey of Westminster, founded, as you will recollect, by Sebert, but which had been ruined during the Danish wars. And, holding his court, according to the antient custom, at Christmas, he caused the new fabric to be consecrated, in the presence of the nobles assembled during that solemn festival.

Edward felt that the hand of death was upon Death of the him. A little while before he expired, Harold and his kinsmen forced their way into the chamber of the Monarch, and exhorted him to name a successor, by whom the realm might be ruled in peace and security.-"Ye know full well, my lords," said Edward, "that I have bequeathed my kingdom to the Duke of Normandy, and are there not those here whose oaths have been given to secure his succession?"— Harold stepped nearer, and interrupting the King, he asked of Edward, upon whom the crown should be bestowed." Harold! take it, if such be thy wish; but the gift will be thy

DISCUSSION AS TO SUCCESSOR.

293

ruin. Against the duke and his baronage, no 1060-1066 power of thine can avail thee." Harold replied that he did not fear the Norman, or any other enemy. The dying king, wearied with importunity, turned himself upon his couch, and faintly intimated that the English nation might name as king, Harold, or whom they liked; and shortly afterwards he breathed his last.

claim to succeed.

Harold afterwards founded his title upon Harold's Edward's last will; many of our historians favour his claim, and the different statements are difficult to be reconciled; yet taken altogether, the circumstances are exactly such as we meet with in private life. The childless owner of a large estate, at first leaves his property to his Cousin on the mother's side, from whose connexions he has received much kindness. He advances in age, and alters his intentions in favour of a Nephew on his father's side-an amiable young man, living abroad,and from whom he had been estranged in consequence of a family quarrel of long standing. The young Heir comes to the Testator's house -is received with great affection-and is suddenly cut off by illness. The Testator then returns to his will in favour of his Cousin, who resides abroad. His acute and active brotherin-law has taken the management of his affairs, is well informed of this will; and, when the Testator is on his death-bed, he contrives to tease and persuade the dying man to alter the

1060-1066 will again in his favour. This is exactly the state of the case; and though considerable doubts have been raised relating to the contradictory bequests of the Confessor, there can be no difficulty in admitting that the conflicting pretensions of William and Harold were grounded upon the acts emanating from a wavering and feeble mind. If such disputes take place between private individuals, they are decided by a court of justice; but if they concern a kingdom, they can only be settled by the sword.

CHAPTER VI.

THE INVASION.

21.

1066.

for the

crown.

UPON the death of Edward the Con- 1066 fessor, there were three claimants to the crown Competitors -his good Cousin, William of Normandy-and English his good Brother-in-law, Harold-each of whom respectively founded their pretensions upon the real or supposed devise of the late king-and Edgar Atheling, the son of Edward the Outlaw, Edgar. who ought to have stood on firmer ground. If kindred had any weight, he was the real heir— the lineal descendant of Ironside-and the only male now left of the house of Cerdic; and he also is said to have been nominated by Edward, as the successor to the throne.

Each of these competitors had his partisans: Harold. but, whilst William was absent, and Edward young and poor, perhaps timid and hesitating, Harold was on the spot; a man of mature age, in full vigour of body and mind; possessing great influence and great wealth. And on the very day that Edward was laid in his grave, Harold prevailed upon, or compelled the prelates and nobles assembled at Westminster, to accept him as king. Some of our historians