Wulf the Saxon: A Story of the Norman Conquest by G. A. Henty (top 100 novels of all time .txt) π
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- Author: G. A. Henty
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WULF THE SAXON A Story of the Norman Conquest
CONTENTS
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I. β A QUARREL.
CHAPTER II. β COUNTRY LIFE.
CHAPTER III. β AT COURT.
CHAPTER IV. β A STORM.
CHAPTER V. β ROUEN.
CHAPTER VI. β RELEASE OF THE EARL
CHAPTER VII. β THE OATH.
CHAPTER VIII. β TROUBLE WITH WALES.
CHAPTER IX. β IN THE WELSH VALLEYS.
CHAPTER X. β PORTHWYN.
CHAPTER XI. β THE SECRET PASSAGE.
CHAPTER XII. β EDITH.
CHAPTER XIII. β HAROLD, THE KING.
CHAPTER XIV. β WULF'S SUSPICIONS.
CHAPTER XV. β A MEETING BY THE RIVER.
CHAPTER XVI. β A VOYAGE NORTH.
CHAPTER XVII. β AN ATTEMPT AT ASSASSINATION.
CHAPTER XVIII. β THE NORTHERN INVASION.
CHAPTER XIX. β STAMFORD BRIDGE.
CHAPTER XX. β THE LANDING OF THE FOE.
CHAPTER XXI. β HASTINGS.
CHAPTER XXII. β THE LORD OF BRAMBER.
PREFACE.
Although the immediate results of the Battle of Hastings may have been of less importance to the world than were those of some other great battles, the struggle has, in the long run, had a greater influence upon the destiny of mankind than any other similar event that has ever taken place. That admixture of Saxon, Danish, and British races which had come to be known under the general name of English, was in most respects far behind the rest of Europe. The island was, as it had always been,βexcept during the rule of two or three exceptionally strong kings,βdistracted by internal dissensions. Broad lines of division still separated the North from the South, and under weak Kings the powerful Earls became almost independent. The enterprise that had distinguished their Saxon and Danish ancestors seems to have died out. There was a general indisposition to change, and except in her ecclesiastical buildings, England made but little progress in civilization from the time of Alfred to that of Harold. Its insular position cut it off from taking part in that rapid advance which, beginning in Italy, was extending throughout Europe. The arrival, however, of the impetuous Norman race, securing as it did a close connection with the Continent, quickened the intellect of the people, raised their intelligence, was of inestimable benefit to the English, and played a most important part in raising England among the nations. Moreover, it has helped to produce the race that has peopled Northern America, Australia, and the south of Africa, holds possession of India, and stands forth as the greatest civilizer in the world. The Conquest of England by the Normans was achieved without even a shadow of right or justice. It was at the time an unmixed curse to England; but now we can recognize the enormous benefits that accrued when in his turn the Englishman conquered the Norman, and the foreign invaders became an integral portion of the people they had overcome. For the historical details of the story, I have only had to go to Freeman's magnificent History of the Norman Conquest of England, which I hope will be perused by all of my readers who are able to obtain it.
G. A. HENTY
CHAPTER I. β A QUARREL.
The great Abbey of Westminster was approaching its completion; an army of masons and labourers swarmed like bees upon and around it, and although differing widely in its massive architecture, with round Saxon windows and arches, from the edifice that was two or three generations later to be reared in its place,βto serve as a still more fitting tomb for the ashes of its pious founder,βit was a stately abbey, rivalling the most famous of the English fanes of the period.
From his palace hard by King Edward had watched with the deepest interest the erection of the minster that was the dearest object of his life. The King was surrounded by Normans, the people among whom he had lived until called from his retirement to ascend the throne of England, and whom he loved far better than those over whom he reigned. He himself still lived almost the life of a recluse. He was sincerely anxious for the good of his people, but took small pains to ensure it, his life being largely passed in religious devotions, and in watching over the rise of the abbey he had founded.
A town had risen around minster and palace, and here the workmen employed found their lodgings, while craftsmen of all descriptions administered to the wants both of these and of the nobles of Edward's court.
From one of the side doors of the palace a page, some fifteen or sixteen years of age, ran down the steps in haste. He was evidently a Saxon by his fair hair and fresh complexion, and any observer of the time would have seen that he must, therefore, be in the employment of Earl Harold, the great minister, who had for many years virtually ruled England in the name of its king.
The young page was strongly and sturdily built. His garb was an English one, but with some admixture of Norman fashions. He wore tightly-fitting leg coverings, a garment somewhat resembling a blouse of blue cloth girded in by a belt at the waist, and falling in folds to the knee. Over his shoulders hung a short mantle of orange colour with a hood. On his head was a cap with a wide brim that was turned up closely behind, and projected in a pointed shovel shape in front. In his belt was a small dagger. He wore shoes of light yellow leather fastened by bands over the insteps. As he ran down the steps of the palace he came
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