In 36 William has heard the news and promptly determines on revenge.
With Bishop Odo at his side, he gives orders that a fleet shall be made
ready; the trees are hewn (37, 38), and the ships built (PLATE VII.);
they are dragged down to the sea (39), arms are carried on board (40),
carts with wine and arms are dragged down to the beach, William crosses
in a great ship (41, 42, 43), he arrives at Pevensey (44, 45), the
horses are disembarked (46), and the knights push on to Hastings (47).
The whole story moves along with admirable speed, till the spectator
seems to partake in the hurry and bustle of the great expedition.
William’s determination is as sure as Harold’s. The difference is that
his cause is just. After the arrival at Hastings, the story continues
more slowly to its appointed end. That other side of military life is
now shown, as necessary as, if less dignified than, the former glimpses.
We see the victualling of William’s army. In 47 the soldiers are seizing
the neighbouring cattle for food. In 48 is a knight on horseback bearing
the name Wadard. He is thought by the designer to be well enough known
to need no explanation, but at this distance of time his appearance
seems irrelevant. 49, however, carries on the story from 47. The food
taken then is now being cooked, the servants serve up the meats which
they lay before the soldiery, and Bishop Odo blesses the meat (50). This
scene is worked in with real humour; the soldiers are hardly able to
restrain their appetite till grace has been said (PLATE VIII.).
Immediately afterwards (51) are seen Bishop Odo, the Conqueror and his
eldest son, Count Robert, the three most distinguished ornaments of the
war, seated together in a tent (PLATE IX.).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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