That night both he and Hardrada occupied a double grave on the
right-hand side of the road leading to York.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE NORMAN CONQUEST: COMPLEX COMMINGLING OF FACETIOUS ACCORD AND
IMPLACABLE DISCORD.
[Illustration: WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR.]
The Norman invasion was one of the most unpleasant features of this
period. Harold had violated his oath to William, and many of his
superstitious followers feared to assist him on that account. His
brother advised him to wait a few years and permit the invader to die of
exposure. Thus, excommunicated by the Pope and not feeling very well
anyway, Harold went into the battle of Hastings, October 14, 1066. For
nine hours they fought, the English using their celebrated squirt-guns
filled with hot water and other fixed ammunition. Finally Harold, while
straightening his sword across his knee, got an arrow in the eye, and
abandoned the fight in order to investigate the surprises of a future
state.
In this battle the contusions alone amounted to over ninety-seven, to
say nothing of fractures, concussions, and abrasions.
Among other casualties, the nobility of the South of England was killed.
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