s
vow. But think not," continued the King in a more solemn voice, and with
increasing emotion, "think not that I will charge my soul that I
counselled or encouraged this errand. Yea, I foresee that thy journey
will lead but to great evil to England, and sore grief or dire loss to
thee." [175]

"How so, dear lord and King?" said Harold, startled by Edward's unwonted
earnestness, though deeming it but one of the visionary chimeras habitual
to the saint. "How so? William thy cousin hath ever borne the name of
one fair to friend, though fierce to foe. And foul indeed his dishonour,
if he could meditate harm to a man trusting his faith, and sheltered by
his own roof-tree."

"Harold, Harold," said Edward, impatiently, "I know William of old. Nor
is he so simple of mind, that he will cede aught for thy pleasure, or
even to my will, unless it bring some gain to himself [176]. I say no
more.--Thou art cautioned, and I leave the rest to Heaven."

It is the misfortune of men little famous for worldly lore, that in those
few occasions when, in that sagacity caused by their very freedom from
the strife and passion of those around, they seem almost prophetically
inspired,--it is their misfortune to lack the power of conveying to
others their own convictions; they may divine, but they cannot reason:
and Harold could detect nothing to deter his purpose, in a vague fear,
based on no other argument than as vague a perception of the Duke's
general character. But Gurth, listening less to his reason than his
devoted love for his brother, took alarm, and said, after a pause:

"Thinkest thou, good my King, that the same danger were incurred if
Gurth, instead of Harold, crossed the seas to demand the hostages?"

"No," said Edward, eagerly, "and so would I counsel. William would not
have the same objects to gain in practising his worldly guile upon thee.
No; methinks that were the prudent course."

"And the ignoble one for Harold," said the elder brother, almost
indignantly. "Howbeit, I thank thee, gratefully, dear King, for thy
affectionate heed and care. And so the saints guard thee!"

On leaving the King, a warm discussion between the brothers took place.
But Gurth's arguments were stronger than those of Harold, and the Earl
was driven to rest his persistence on his own special pledge to Githa.
As soon, however, as they had gained their home, that plea was taken from
him; for the moment Gurth related to his mother Edward's f