Harold saw William coming, and the fields covered with arms, and the Normans separating in three divisions to assail in three parts. He does not know which of them most to fear.
Scarcely could he for the moment speak , " We are," said he, " in evil case,much I fear that we are undone. The Count of Flanders has betrayed me. Very mad have I been to have believed him . For by his letter he sent me word ,and by sure message, that William could never have so many horse," ( si grant chevalerie.) . . . .
Gurth drew near. They placed themselves close to the standard . Each one prays that God will guard him . Around them were their kinsmen, and the barons whom they knew. They have prayed them all to do well. None can retreat. Each one has put on his hauberk , girded his sword, and has his shield at his neck , great axes they held on their shoulders (en lor cols), with which they mean to strike great blows. They were on foot in close order. They held themselves very gallantly. But if they had been able to foresee, they might well have grieved and wept for the dolorous adventure which would bring them much woe, and hard to bear, " Olicrosse !" they cried , and "Gode mite !" shouted oft. " Olicrosse" is in English what " Sainte Croix " (Holy Cross) is in French,and " Godemite" is in French , Dex tot poissant (God Almighty). The Normans had three companies to assault in three parts. In three companies they divided themselves, and three armed companies they formed . The first and the second came, -
