CHAPTER XXXIX

.

BATTLE OF HASTINGS.

Harold, king of the Saxons, marches from York--Despatches a fleet to intercept the flight of the Normans--Disaffection amongst his troops--He arrives in London--His hasty departure from the metropolis--Cause of Harold's disasters--Description of the Norman and Saxon encampments--William's message to Harold --Occupation of the rival armies the night before the battle-- Gurth advises Harold to quit the field--Morning of the battle --The Saxon and Norman leaders--William the Norman's address to his soldiers--Inferiority of the Saxons in numbers--Strong position taken up by Harold--Commencement of the combat-- Courage of the Saxons--The Normans driven back from the English intrenchments--Skill of the Norman archers--Cavalry of the invaders driven into a deep ravine--The battle hitherto in favour of the Saxons--Rumour that William the Norman was slain --The effect of his sudden appearance amongst his retreating forces--Unflinching valour of the Saxons--Stratagem adopted by the Norman duke--Its consequence--William again attempts a feigned flight, and the Saxons quit their intrenchments-- Dreadful slaughter of the English--Death of Harold, the last Saxon king--Capture of the Saxon banner--Victory of the Normans--Retreat and pursuit of the remnant of the Saxon army --The field of Hastings the morning after the battle--The dead body of Harold discovered by Edith the Swan-necked p. 338

THE ANGLO-SAXONS.

Their religion--Government and laws--Literature of Anglo-Saxons --Architecture, Arts, &c.--Costume, Manners, Customs, and Everyday life p. 357

THE

HISTORY OF ENGLAND

Under the Anglo-Saxons.

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