n as resolute, at
least, as your Normans."

"Cher et puissant, my Lord Earl," answered De Graville, "these are brave
words, but of no weight in the ear of a schemer so deep as the Duke.
Think you really, that King Edward--pardon my bluntness--would rouse
himself from his apathy, to do more in your behalf than he has done in
your kinsmen's--remonstrate and preach?--Are you even sure that on the
representation of a man he hath so loved as William, he will not be
content to rid his throne of so formidable a subject? You speak of the
English people; doubtless you are popular and beloved, but it is the
habit of no people, least of all your own, to stir actively and in
concert, without leaders. The Duke knows the factions of England as well
as you do. Remember how closely he is connected with Tostig, your
ambitious brother. Have you no fear that Tostig himself, earl of the
most warlike part of the kingdom, will not only do his best to check the
popular feeling in your favour, but foment every intrigue to detain you
here, and leave himself the first noble in the land? As for other
leaders, save Gurth (who is but your own vice earl), who is there that
will not rejoice at the absence of Harold? You have made foes of the
only family that approaches the power of your own--the heirs of Leofric
and Algar.--Your strong hand removed from the reins of the empire,
tumults and dissensions ere long will break forth that will distract
men's minds from an absent captive, and centre them on the safety of
their own hearths, or the advancement of their own interests. You see
that I know something of the state of your native land; but deem not my
own observation, though not idle, sufficed to bestow that knowledge. I
learn it more from William's discourses; William, who from Flanders, from
Boulogne, from England itself, by a thousand channels, hears all that
passes between the cliffs of Dover and the marches of Scotland."

Harold paused long before he replied, for his mind was now thoroughly
awakened to his danger; and, while recognising the wisdom and intimate
acquaintance of affairs with which De Graville spoke, he was also rapidly
revolving the best course for himself to pursue in such extremes. At
length he said:

"I pass by your remarks on the state of England, with but one comment.
You underrate Gurth, my brother, when you speak of him but as the vice
earl of Harold. You underrate one, who needs but an object, to excel, in
arm