took their names, in the diocese of Seez, between the Dive and the Oudon, lay at no great distance from one another. They thus lay between Earl Roger's own Montgomery[1] and a series of new fortresses on the Orne and the neighbouring streams, by which Earl Roger's son hoped to extend his power over the whole land of Hiesmes.[2] Hugh and Richard strengthened themselves against the tyrant—such is the name which Robert bears—gathering their allies and putting their castles in a state of defence. Their united forces were too much for the lord of Bellême. He sought help from his sovereign, and the Duke, who was not allowed to strike a blow for his own Rouen, appeared as the besieger of Courcy, no less than of Brionne. He who had fought to turn the tyrant out of Ballon and Saint Cenery now fought to put Courcy into the tyrant's power.
Siege of Courcy. January, 1091.
News of William's coming. February.
The siege raised.
The siege of Courcy began in January.[3] At the end
of the month or the beginning of the next, a piece of
news came which caused the Duke and the other besiegers
to cease from their work. Robert himself could
see that there was something else to be done besides
making war on Hugh of Grantmesnil on behalf of
Robert of Bellême, when the King of the English was
in his own person on Norman ground. The host before
Courcy broke up; some doubtless went to their own
homes;[4] but we may suspect that some found their
way to Eu. For there it was that King William had
fixed his quarters; there the great men of Normandy
were gathering around him. They did not come empty-handed.
They welcomed the King with royal gifts; but itadventu audito, territus dux
cum Roberto aliisque obsidentibus actutum recessit, et unusquisque propria
repetiit." He is more emphatic in 697 A; "Robertus de Belesmo cum
suis complicibus aufugit."]
