The stranger drew his sword and wounded him; blows followed--the stranger fell by the arm he had provoked.

The news arrives to Earl Eustace; he and his kinsmen spur to the spot; they murder the Englishman on his hearth-stone.--" Here a groan, half-stifled and wrathful, broke from the ceorls at the end of the hall.

Godwin held up his hand in rebuke of the interruption, and resumed.
"This deed done, the outlanders rode through the streets with their drawn swords; they butchered those who came in their way; they trampled even children under their horses' feet.

The burghers armed.

I thank the Divine Father, who gave me for my countrymen those gallant burghers! They fought, as we English know how to fight; they slew some nineteen or score of these mailed intruders; they chased them from the town.