Battle of Stamfo7'd Bridge 2 5 1 



bouihood. It is said that the Norse army was totally- 

 unaware of its approach, and that Harald and Tostig 

 had gone forward with some of their bodyguard, but 

 without having donned their armour, when the army 

 of the English Harold came in sight, advancing along 

 the road which leads from York to the river. It is an 

 ancient Eoman highway, as the local names Gate 

 Helmsley and Gate Fulford suggest. Tostig was for 

 falling back upon their base ; but Harald would only 

 consent to send back messengers to bring up the rest 

 of their force. 



The Norse Saga tells the famous story of the message 

 which English Harold sent to his brother, promising 

 him restoration to his earldom if he would make peace. 

 Tostig said : 



'This is something different from the enmity and 

 scorn which he offered me last winter. . . . But if I 

 accept of this offer, what will he give Harald Sigurdsson 

 for his trouble ? ' 



The envoy replied : ' He has also spoken of this, and 

 will give him seven feet of English ground, or as much 

 more as he may be taller than other men.' 



Then said the earl : ' Go now and tell King Harold to 

 get ready for battle ; for never shall the Northmen say 

 that Earl Tostig left King Harald Sigurdsson to join 

 his enemy's troops, when he came to fight west here iu 

 England. We shall rather all take the resolution to 

 die with honour, or to gain England by a victory.' 



The account of the battle in the Saga is not to be 

 relied upon, except, maybe, for one little touch. As 

 the Norse Harald, it is said, was riding round his army 

 ordering the battle, his horse stumbled under him, and 



