The Gemot has voted the deposition of Tostig, has even had the insolence to
declare him an outlaw, and has elected Morcar in his place. It has also
issued decrees declaring all partisans of Tostig outlaws, and confiscating
their estates. Two of Tostig's Danish housecarls were slain on the first
day of their meeting. Two hundred of Tostig's personal followers have since
been massacred; his treasury has been broken open, and all its contents
carried off. The election of Morcar shows but too plainly the designs of
the earls of Mercia. They wish to divide England into two portions, and to
reign supreme north of the Wellan. This will give them full half of
England, and would assuredly, even did we not oppose them now, lead to a
terrible war. The more terrible as William of Normandy will be watching
from across the channel, ready to take instant advantage of our
dissensions. God avert a war like this. Every sacrifice must be made rather
than that the men of the north and south of England should fly at each
other's throats."
The earl scarcely spoke a word during the ride to London, but rode absorbed
in his thoughts with a sad and anxious countenance.
Day after day the news became more serious. Morcar accepted the earldom of
Northumbria, hurried to York, and placing himself at the head of the
Northumbrian forces, marched south, being joined on the way by the men of
Lincoln, Nottingham, and Derby, in all of which shires the Danish element
was very strong.
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