hauberks and helms over their garments. King Harold made proclamation as their Lord, that each one should turn his face straight towards the enemy, and that no one should turn from where he was, and that whoever should come there should find them ready. Whatever Norman or another might do, each one was to defend his place well.
Then he ordered those of Kent to march to the point where the Normans were going to charge (joster). For they say that the men of Kent ought to strike the first ; wherever the king should go to war, the first blow ought to be theirs. The Londoners, by right, ought to guard the body of the king, to take their station around him , and guard the standard. These were placed at the standard , which each one was to defend and guard.
When Harold had made all ready, and had commanded what he wished , he came amidst the English , and dis mounted by the standard ; his two brothers Lewine and Gurth were with him . Many a baron was around. Harold was next the banner (gonfanon). The banner was very valuable, of gold and glittering stones. William , after this victory, had it carried to the Pontiff (Apostoile ), to show , and keep in memory ,his great conquest and his great glory.
The English kept themselves in serried ranks, all eager to combat. On one side they made a fosse, which went across the open (champaigne). At times the Normans appeared crossing over from a height where they were ; from a valley and a height issues a column which formed the van. The king Harold saw them from afar. . .
