sought for in imagination, at some point, perhaps the south-eastern corner, of the vast halles of ancient Rouen.
Policy of Henry.
Robert brought back.
Treatment of the citizens.
The rule of Robert was now restored in Rouen, so far
as Robert could be said to rule at any time in Rouen
or elsewhere. It is remarkable that after the death of
Conan we lose sight of Henry; that is, as far as Rouen is
concerned, for we shall before long hear of him again in
quite different relations towards his two brothers. He may
well have thought that one fearful example was needed,
but that one fearful example was enough. He would
secure the punishment of the ringleader, even by doing
the hangman's duty with his own hands; but mere havoc
and massacre had no charms for him at any time. His
policy might well have forestalled the later English rule,
"Smite the leaders and spare the commons." If Robert
or anybody else was to reign in Rouen, nothing would
be gained by killing, driving out, or recklessly spoiling,
the people over whom he was to reign. But there were
men at his side to whom the utmost licence of warfare
was the most cherished of enjoyments. The Duke, never
personally cruel,[1] was in a merciful mood. When all
danger was over, he was brought across the river from
his monastery to the castle. He saw how much the city
had already suffered; his heart was touched, and he was
not minded to inflict any further punishment. But he
had to yield to the sterner counsels of those about
him, and to allow a heavy vengeance to be meted out.[2]
He seems however to have prevailed so far as to
hinder the shedding of blood. At least we hear nothing
of any general slaughter. The fierce men who had
brought him back seem to have contented themselves
with plunder and leading into captivity. The citizens
