If the demand he delivers be just, such as a king should grant, and our Witan should hear, woe to him who refuses; if unjust be the demand, shame to him who accedes.

Warrior sends to warrior, countryman to countryman; hear we as countrymen, and judge as warriors.
I have said." The utmost excitement and agitation followed the speech of Siward,--unanimous applause from the Saxons, even those who in times of peace were most under the Norman contagion; but no words can paint the wrath and scorn of the Normans.

They spoke loud and many at a time; the greatest disorder prevailed.

But the majority being English, there could be no doubt as to the decision; and Edward, to whom the emergence gave both a dignity and presence of mind rare to him, resolved to terminate the dispute at once.

He stretched forth his sceptre, and motioning to his chamberlain, bade him introduce the nuncius.