Battle of Hastings AD1066 - Phase 12 - Exchange of Messages
Messages are exchanged by the monks on both sides.
| This page shows the documentary evidence from translated original documents
|
|---|
Anglo Saxon Chronicles
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Battle Abbey Chronicles
|
|---|
The duke, then, by his heralds, thrice offered conditions of peace, which were thrice refused by the
enemy; and at length,
conformably to the prophecy of Merlin a Norman race in iron coats boldly cast down the pride of the
English.
|
Bayeux_Tapestry
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Carmen de Triumpho Normannico
|
|---|
A sage monk of eloquent speech was chosen
Who could be trusted to cautiously scout the camp of the duke
He sped on his way on a swift horse
Whatever the vain monk brought him, the duke held immaterial
Insofar as he urges retreat, it is raving madness entirely
Indeed the season forbids it, and the way is not easy
The monk hastened back
France who begets illustrious nobility
And people of Brittany, for whom there is honour in arms
Illustrious forces of Maine, whose glory
Apulia, Calabria, Sicily! Whose flying darts swarm!
Esteemed Normans, ever ready for action!
Wherefore we charge you to guard the camp
To return an envoy prepared word for word
The monk was summoned. He took to the road without delay
Because the Duke had directed his envoy to proceed ever vigilant
The envoy detouring through the countryside
Approached unseen where the King was preparing the ambush
Neck twisting, face distorted, Harold
Said to the envoy ‘Go back Dullard’
The envoy retraced his path by the shortcut back
Imperial in splendour, the duke, peace and glory of the realm
Advanced before the ranks of his army
The ruddy hued face of the envoy
The Duke asked ‘where is the king’
Without warning he hopes he may ambush you
It is said he has sent five hundred ships to sea
Where he advances there he lays planks of wood
And by this means makes dry crossings of rivers
|
Florence of Worcester
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Henry of Huntingdon
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Master Wace
|
|---|
Then Harold chose a messenger who knew the language of France, and sent him to duke William,
charging him with these words ; ' Say to the duke that I desire he will not remind me of my covenant
nor of my oath ; if I ever foolishly made it and promised him any thing, I did it for my liberty. I swore
in order to get my freedom ; whatever he asked I agreed to ; and I ought not to be reproached, for I
did nothing of my own free will. The strength was all on his side, and I feared that unless I did his
pleasure, I should never return, but should have remained there for ever. If I have done him any
wrong, I will make him recompense. If he want any of my wealth, I will give it according to my ability.
I will refit all his ships, and give them safe conduct; but if he refuse this offer, tell him for a truth, that
if he wait for me so long, I will on Saturday seek him out, and on that day will do battle with him.'
The messenger hastened to the duke, and on the part of king Harold, told him that if he would re
turn to his own land, and free England of his presence, he should have safe conduct for the purpose ;
and if money was his object, he should have as much gold and silver as should supply the wants of
all his host.
Duke William replied, 'Thanks for his fair words! I am not come into this country with so many escus,
to change them for his esterlins ; but I am come that I may have all his land, according to his oath, and
the gift of king Edward, who delivered me two youths of gentle lineage as hostages ; the one the
son, the other the nephew of Godwin. I have them still in my keeping, and keep them I will, if I can,
till I have right done unto me.'
Then the messenger replied, ' Sire, you ask too much of us, far too much of my lord ; you would
rob him of his honour and fair name, requiring him to deliver up his kingdom, as if he dared not defend
it. All is still safe, and in good order with us; there is no weakness or decay in his force. He is not so
pressed by the war, as that he should give up his land to you ; neither is it very agreeable that, because you
wish for his kingdom, he should at once abandon it to you. Harold will not give you what you cannot
take from him; but in good will, and as a matter of favour, and without fear of your threats, he will give
you as much as you desire of gold and silver, money and fine garments : and thus you may return
to your country before any affray happen between you. If you will not accept this offer, know this,
that if you abide his coming, he will be ready in the field on Saturday next, and on that day he will
fight with you.'
The duke accepted this appointment, and the messenger took his leave; but when he proposed to go,
the duke gave him a horse and garments : and when he came back to Harold thus arrayed, he shewed all
that the duke had given him, and told how he had been honoured, and all that had passed ; and Harold
repented much that he had done otherwise by Huon Margot.
WHILST Harold and William communicated in this way by messengers, clerks and knights, the English
assembled at London. When they were about to set out thence, I have heard tell that Gurth, one of
Harold's brothers, reasoned thus with him. ' Fair brother, remain here, but give me your
troops ; I will take the adventure upon me, and will fight William l . I have no covenant with him, by
oath or pledge ; I am in no fealty to him, nor do I owe him my faith. It may chance that there will
be no need to come to blows ; but I fear that if you fight, you will pay the penalty of perjury, seeing you
must forswear yourself; and he who has the right will win. But if I am conquered and taken prisoner,
you, if God please, being alive, may still assemble your troops, and fight or come to such an arrange
ment with the duke, that you may hold your kingdom in peace. Whilst I go and fight the Normans,
do you scour the country, burn the houses, destroy the villages, and carry off all stores and provisions,
swine and goats and cattle ; that they may find no food, nor any thing whatever to subsist upon. Thus
you may alarm and drive them back, for the duke must return to his own country if provisions for his
army shall fail him.'
But Harold refused, and said that Gurth should not go against the duke and fight without him; and
that he would not burn houses and villages, neither would he plunder his people. ' How,' said he, ' can
I injure the people I should govern ? I cannot destroy or harass those who ought to prosper under me.
|
William of Jumièges/Orderic Vitalis(Gesta)
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
William of Malmesbury
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Quedam Exceptiones de Historia Normannorum et Anglorum
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
Phases of the Battle of Hastings 1066AD
|
|---|
No reference to this subject in this document.
|
|
