Such were the dispositions on either side early on the morning of the 14th or. October, 1066. It was Harold's birthday, and as such, conjectured to be an omen of success. The interest of the two commanders was the same ; the officers were equally desirous of coming to action : every thing wore the aspect of slaughter and of blood, and prognosticated one of those terrible battles, where fury was blended with greatness of foul, and where obstinacy and valour were mingled together.
As the two armies stood fronting each other, the Duke, having thoroughly examined the position of the English, galloped from the place on which he was standing, and appeared in the front ot the first line. He asked one of the soldiers if he could shew him where Harold was stationed. - " He is on yonder opposite hill," replied the man, pointing to it, " among that compacted multitude ; for I see his standard there." - Upon which, the Duke clapped spurs to his horse, and galloped straight to the place where Harold was standing, being followed by the cavalry, whom he had joined. As he was before the -
