CHAPTER XXXVI

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EARL HAROLD'S VISIT TO NORMANDY.

Harold shipwrecked upon the coast of France--Is made captive, and carried to the fortress of Beaurain--Is released by the intervention of William of Normandy--Harold's interview with Duke William at Rouen--Affected kindness of the Norman duke-- William cautiously unfolds his designs on the crown of England-- His proposition to Harold--Offers Harold his daughter, Adeliza, in marriage--Duke William's stratagem--Harold's oath on the relics of the saints--Description of William the Norman's courtship--Character of Matilda of Flanders--Harold's return to England--The English people alarmed by signs and omens-- Appearance of a comet in England--Description of the death of Edward the Confessor p. 304

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