248 HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

C H AIII.

JVTartel, and GeoffreyTo these bold chieftainsWilliam held up the spoils of England as theprize of their valour; and pointing to the oppositeshore, called to them, that there was thefield, on which they must erect trophies to theirname , and fix their establishments.

While he was making these mighty prepara-tions, the duke, that he might increase thenumber of Harold’s enemies, excited the inveteraterancour ofTosti, and encouraged him, in concertwith Harold Ilalfager, king of Norway, to infestthe coasts of England. Tosti, having collectedabout sixty vessels in the ports of Flanders, putto sea; and after committing some depredationson the south and east coasts, he sailed to North*umberland, and was there joined by Halfager,who came over with a great armament of threehundred fail. The combined fleets entered theHumber, and disembarked the troops, who beganto extend their depredations on all sides; whenIYlorcar earl of Northumberland, and Edwin earlof Mercia, the king’s brother-in-law, havinghastily collected some forces, ventured to givethem battle. The action ended in the defeat andflight of these two noblemen.

Hakold, informed of this defeat, hastenedwith an army to the protection of his people;and expressed the utmost ardour to show himselfworthy of the crown, which had been conferredupon him. This prince , though he was not sensible

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Odericus Vitalis , p. 501.