Tostig was so
furious at finding that Harold was not willing to push matters to the last
extremity in his favour, that he accused him of being the secret instigator
of the Northumbrian revolt. The absurdity of such an accusation was
evident. It was as much to Harold's interest as to that of Tostig that the
great northern earldom should remain in the hands of his family; but an
angry man does not reason, and Tostig's fury was roused to the highest
point by the outspoken utterances of many of the members of the
Witenagemot. These boldly accused him of cruelty and avarice, and declared
that many of his acts of severity were caused by his determination, under a
show of justice, to possess himself of the wealth of those he condemned.
Tostig then rose and declared before the assembly that the whole rising was
the work of Harold.
The latter simply denied the charge on oath, and his word was accepted as
sufficient. The Witan then turned to the question as to how the revolt was
to be dealt with. The king was vehemently in favour of putting it down by
force of arms. Tostig was of all the Saxons his favourite friend, and he
considered the insult offered to him as dealt against himself. So
determined was he, that he sent out orders for the whole of the forces of
Wessex to march and join the royal standard. In vain Harold and Edward's
wisest councillors endeavoured to dissuade him from a step that would
deluge the country in blood, and might lead to terrible disaster.
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