mosities. The natural
severity of his temper appeared in a rigorous administration of
justice; and having found the happy effects of this plan of
government, without which the laws in those ages became totally
impotent, he regarded it as a fixed maxim, that an inflexible conduct
was the first duty of a sovereign.
[FN [w] W. Malm. p. 95. Gul. Gemet. lib. 7. cap. 1. [x] W. Malm. p.
97.]

The tranquillity which he had established in his dominions had given
William leisure to pay a visit to the King of England during the time
of Godwin's banishment; and he was received in a manner suitable to
the great reputation which he had acquired, to the relation by which
he was connected with Edward, and to the obligations which that prince
owed to his family [y]. On the return of Godwin, and the expulsion of
the Norman favourites, Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, had, before
his departure, persuaded Edward to think of adopting William as his
successor; a counsel which was favoured by the king's aversion to
Godwin, his prepossessions for the Normans, and his esteem of the
duke. That prelate, therefore, received a commission to inform
William of the king's intentions in his favour; and he was the first
person that opened the mind of the prince to entertain those ambitious
hopes [z]. But Edward, irresolute and feeble in his purpose, finding
that the English would more easily acquiesce in the restoration of the
Saxon line, had, in the mean time, invited his brother's descendants
from Hungary, with a view of having them recognised heirs to the
crown. The death of his nephew, and the inexperience and unpromising
qualities of young Edgar, made him resume his former intentions in
favour of the Duke of Normandy; though his aversion to hazardous
enterprises engaged him to postpone the execution, and even to keep
his purpose secret from all his ministers.
[FN [y] Hoveden, p. 442. Ingulph. p. 65. Chron. Mailr. p. 157.
Higden, p. 279. [z] Ingulph. p. 68. Gul. Gemet lib. 7. cap. 31.
Order. Vitalis, p. 492.]

Harold, meanwhile, proceeded after a more open manner in increasing
his popularity, in establishing his power, and in preparing the way
for his advancement on the first vacancy; an event which, from the age
and infirmities of the king, appeared not very distant. But there was
still an obstacle, which it was requisite for him previously to
overcome. Earl Godwin, when restored to his power and fortune, had
given hostages for hi