Thus was gained, by William, Duke of Normandy, the great and decisive victory of Hastings, after a battle that was fought from morning until sunset, and which seemed worthy, from the heroic valour displayed by both commanders and both armies, to decide the fate of a mighty kingdom. There fell near 15,000 men on the side of the Normans. The loss was still more considerable on that of the English, besides the death of the King and his two brothers. The dead body of Harold was brought to William, who generously restored it, without ransom, to his mother. The Norman army left not the field of battle without giving thanks to Heaven in the most solemn manner for their victory ; aster which, the Duke, having refreshed his troops, prepared to push to the utmost his advantage against the divided, dismayed, and. discomfited English.
Thus ended the memorable Battle of Hastings, in which the English, though defeated, shewed at least as much valour as those by whom they were vanquished; but less expertness in, the discipline and art of war.
