But I
trust to have no more of it; so terrible a field no man living has seen,
and in truth until twilight fell it seemed that we should be beaten, with
such obstinacy and endurance did the English fight. We won, but it was a
victory over the dead rather than the living. Of Harold's regular troops no
man turned, no man asked for quarter, they fell where they stood; and even
the irregulars, who had fought with equal bravery, when, as night fell and
all was lost, they fled, inflicted well-nigh as heavy a blow upon us as had
been dealt during the day. I have no animosity against them, they are
valiant men, and were in their right in defending their country, and I
would that I could stay peacefully here until the last blow has been
struck. I am well content with my estates, and need no foot of English
land, no share in English spoil I must fight for my liege lord as long as
fighting goes on, but that over I hope to return here and live in peace.
At any rate I can tarry quietly here for a week Certainly no force can be
raised in time to oppose the duke's advance on London, and my sword
therefore may well rest in its scabbard. I suppose, thanes, you will not
object to give me your parole to attempt no escape?"
"Willingly, my lord," Beorn said. "If, contrary to our opinion, England
should rise and fight one more battle for freedom, we will give you due
notice that we shall if possible escape and cross the sea to join our
countrymen.
Pages:
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459