supplies, and beloved by his subjects, might with propriety prolong the war, and by harassing the Normans with skirmishes, and distressing them for want of provisions, they would tall an easy prey to their enemy ; that if a general action was delayed, the English, sensible of the imminent danger to which their properties, as well as liberties were ex osed from those rapacious invaders, would hasten from ail quarters to his assistance, and render his army invincible ; that, at least, if he thought it necessary to hazard a battle, he ought not to expose his own person, but reserve, in case of disastrous accidents, some resource to the liberty and independence of the kingdom.
Harold was deaf to all remonstrances. Elated with his past prosperity, as well as stimulated by his native courage, he resolved to give battle in person ; for which purpose, without even waiting for the Militia of several counties that were marching to join him, he set out for Sussex to meet the Norman army, never halting till within seven miles of them. On the road he was met by a Monk, who -
