and attack him band to hand; so he had early enclosed the field in which he placed his men. He made them arm early, and range themselves for the battle; be himself having put on arms and equipments that became such a lord. The duke, be said, ought to seek him, as he wanted to conquer England ; and it became him to abide the attack, who had to defend the land. He commanded the people, and conselled his barons to keep themselves all together, and defend themselves in a body; for if they once separated, they would with difficulty recover themselves. ’The Normans,' said he, ’are good vassals, valiant on foot and on horseback; good knights are they on horseback, and well used to battle; all is lost if they once penetrate our ranks. They have brought long lances and swords, but you have pointed lances and keen-edged bills; and I do not expect that their arms can stand against yours. Cleave whenever you can; it will be ill done if you spare aught.'
"The English had built up a fence before them with their shields, and with ash and other wood; and had well joined and wattled in the whole work, so as not to leave even a crevice; and thus they had a barricade in their front, through which any Norman who would attack them must first pass. Being covered in this way by their shields
