While those not influenced by Godwin raised their eyes, sparkling with wrath and scorn, upon the wasted, yet still noble face of the eldest born, even those most zealous on behalf of that popular House evinced no sympathy for its heir.

Some looked down abashed and mournful--some regarded the accused with a cold, unpitying gaze.

Only perhaps among the ceorls, at the end of the hall, might be seen some compassion on anxious faces; for before those deeds of crime had been bruited abroad, none among the sons of Godwin more blithe of mien and bold of hand, more honoured and beloved, than Sweyn the outlaw.

But the hush that succeeded the charges was appalling in its depth.

Godwin himself shaded his face with his mantle, and only those close by could see that his breast heaved and his limbs trembled.