Ifi2 



A HISTORY OF CAVALRY. 



[period II. 



I 



ranks, ready and eager for the fight, and they had mor - 

 over made a fosse, which went across the field guarding 

 one side of their army. 



" Meanwhile the Normans appeared advancing over 

 the ridge of a rising ground, and the first division of their 

 troops moved onwards along the hill and across the valley. 

 Then another division still larger came in sight, close 

 following upon the first, and they wheeled toward 

 another side of the field, forming together as the first 

 body had done. Then a fresh company came in 

 sight, covering all the plain ; and in the midst of them 

 was raised the gonfanon that came from Rome. Near 

 it was the Duke, and the best men and greatest strength 

 of his army were there. The good knights, the good 

 vassals, the brave warriors, were there, and there were 

 gathered together the gentle barons, the good archers, 

 and the lancemen, whose duty it was to guard the Duke 

 and range themselves around him. The youth, and 

 common herd of the camp, whose business was not to join 

 in the battle, but to take care of the harness and stores, 

 moved ofi" towards a rising ground. 



** Harold saw William come, and beheld the field 

 covered with arms, and how the Normans divided into 

 three companies, in order to attack at three places. His 

 brother Gurth drew near, and they placed themselves 

 by the standard, each praying God to protect them. 

 Around them were their kinsmen, and those barons who 

 were their nearest friends : and they besought all to do 

 their best, seeing that none could now avoid the conflict. 

 Each man had his hauberk on with his sword girt, and 

 his shield at his neck. Great hatchets were also slung at 

 their necks, with which they expected to strike heavy 

 blows. They were on foot in close ranks, and carried 

 themselves right boldly. 



" The Normans brought on the three divisions of their 

 army, to attack at different places. They set out in three 

 companies, and in three companies did they fight. The 

 first and second had come up, and then advanced the 

 third, which was the greatest ; with that came the Duke, 

 with his own men, and all moved boldly forward. 



