230 HISTORY OF ENGLAND,

chap. detained him prisoner, and demanded an exor-III. bitant sum for his ransom. Harold found meansto convey intelligence of his situation to theduke of Normandy ; and represented, that whilehe was proceeding to his court , in execution ofa commission from the king of England , he hadmet with this harsh treatment from the mercenarydisposition of the count of Ponthieu.

William was immediately sensible of theimportance of the incident. He foresaw, that,if he could once gain Harold, either by favoursor menaces , his way to the throne of Englandwould be open, and Edward would meet withno farther obstacle in executing the favourableintentions, which he had entertained in his behalf.He sent, therefore, a messenger to Guy, in orderto demand the liberty of his prisoner; and thatnobleman, not daring to refuse so great a prince,put Harold into the hands of the Norman, whoconducted him to Roiien. William received himwith every demonstration of respect and friend-ship; and after showing himself disposed to com-ply with his desire, in delivering up the hostages,he took an opportunity of disclosing to him thegreat secret, of his pretensions to the crown ofEngland, and of the will which Edward intendedto make in his savour. He desired the assistanceof Harold in perfecting that design; he madeprofessions of the utmost gratitude in return forso great an obligation; he promised that thepresent grandeur of Harold’s family, which sup-ported itself with difficulty under the jealousy