Suburbs beyond the Seine. tower. The northern gate bore the name of Saint Apollonius. The river was spanned by at least one bridge, which crossed it by way of the island of the Cross, near the second ducal castle. Beyond the stream lay the suburb of Hermentrudeville, now Saint Sever, where Anselm had waited during the sickness of the Conqueror.[1] There too the Duchess Matilda, soon to be Queen, had begun the monastery of the meadow, the monastery of our Lady of Good News, the house of Pratum or Pré, whose church still stood unfinished, awaiting the perfecting hand of her youngest son.[2]
Fright of Duke Robert.
Approach of Gilbert and Reginald.
Efforts of Conan.
Division among the citizens.
Meanwhile the elder and best-beloved son of Matilda
was trembling within the city on the right bank of the
broad river. Luckily he had the presence of his youngest
brother, the English Ætheling, the Count of the Côtentin,
to strengthen him. Personal courage Duke Robert never
lacked at any time; but something more than personal
courage was now needed. Robert was perhaps not
frightened, but he was puzzled; at such a moment he
seemed to the calm judgement of Henry to be simply
in the way; it was for wiser heads to take counsel
without him. But deliverance was at hand. Both sides
of the Seine sent their helpers. Gilbert of Laigle crossed
the bridge by the island close under the ducal tower, and
turned to the left to the attack of the southern gate.
Reginald of Warren at the head of three hundred
knights drew near to the gate of Caux.[3] Against
this twofold attack Conan strove hard to keep up the
hearts of his partisans. He made speeches exhorting
to a valiant defence. Many obeyed; but the city was
already divided; while one party hastened to the
southern gate to withstand the assault of Gilbert,
