But the conditions of service in England were such that it was impossible
to keep a great force on foot for an indefinite time. The housecarls were
the only regular portion of the army The great bulk of the force, both land
and sea, consisting of the levies or militia, whose term of service was
very limited. It says much for the influence of Harold that he was able
for four months to keep his army and navy together. Had the foe appeared,
soldiers and sailors would have done their duty, but the long term of
inaction, the weary waiting for a foe that never came, was too much, and
when September arrived and the harvest was ready to be gathered it was
impossible even for him to keep the men longer together. The army
disbanded, the levies went to their homes, and the ships of the fleet
sailed away to the ports to which they belonged. All the efforts and
anxieties of Harold, all his lavish expenditure in feeding and providing
for so great a number of men had been thrown away. England lay for a time
absolutely defenceless against the coming storm.
It was not until August that Wulf had completely recovered his strength,
and was able to join the army.
"This is not a time," Harold said to him on the day he arrived at the camp,
"for the granting of dignities or the bestowal of grants. But if we are
successful, and I remain King of England, the services you have rendered me
at the risk of your life, Wulf, shall be worthily rewarded.
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