EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. 229

Harold , mean while , proceeded, after a more chapopen manner, in increasing his popularity, in 111.establishing his power, and in preparing the wayfor his advancement on the first vacancy; anevent which, from the age and infirmities of theking , appeared not very distant. But there wasstill an obstacle, which it was requisite for himpreviously to overcome. Earl Godwin, whenrestored to his power and fortune, had givenhostages for his good behaviour; and amongthe rest one son and one grandson, whom Ed-ward , for greater security , as has been related,had consigned to the custody of the duke ofNormandy. Harold, though not aware of theduke’s being his competitor, was uneasy, thatsuch near relations should be detained prisonersin a foreign country; and he was afraid, leftWilliam should , in favour of Edgar, retain thesepledges a»s a check on the ambition of any otherpretender. He represented, therefore, to the king,his unfeigned submission to royal authority, hissteady duty to his prince, and the little necestitythere was, after such an uniform trial of his obe-dience, to detain any longer those hostages , whohad been required on the first composing of civildiscords. By these topics , enforced by his greatpower, he extorted the king’s consent to releasethem; and in order to effect his purpose, heimmediately proceeded , with a numerous retinue,on his journey to Normandy. A tempest drovehim on the territory of Guy, count of Ponthieuwho, being informed of his quality, immediately

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