Page:The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (Giles).djvu/142

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124
THE ANGLO-SAXON CHKONICLE.
A.D. 1052.

other people: and soon after that he went about Penwithstert. And then king Edward caused forty vessels to be fitted out. They lay at Sandwich many weeks; they were to lie in wait for Godwin, the earl, who had been at Bruges during the winter; and, notwithstanding, he came hither to land first, so that they knew it not. And during the time that he was here in the land, he enticed to him all the men of Kent, and all the boatmen from Hastings and everywhere there by the sea-coast, and all the East-end, and Sus sex, and Surrey, and much else in addition thereto. Then all declared that they with him would die and live. When the fleet which lay at Sandwich, learned this concerning Godwin's voyage, then set they out after him. And he escaped them, and concealed himself wherever he then could; and the fleet went again to Sandwich, and so homeward to London. Then when Godwin learned that the fleet which lay at Sandwich was gone home, then went he once more to the Isle of Wight, and lay thereabout by the sea-coast so long as until they came together, he and his son earl Harold. And they did not much harm after they came together, except that they seized provisions: but they enticed to them all the land-folk by the sea-coast and also up the country; and they went towards Sandwich, and collected ever forth with them all the boatmen which they met with, and then came to Sandwich, with an overflowing army. When king Edward learned that, then sent he up after more help; but they came very late. And Godwin advanced ever towards London with his fleet until he came to Southwark, and there abode 6ome time until the flood-tide came up. During that time he also treated with the townsmen, that they should do almost all that he would. When he had mustered all his host, then came the flood-tide; and they then soon drew their anchors, and held their way through the bridge by the south shore, and the land-force came from above, and arrayed themselves along the strand: and they then inclined with the ships towards the north shore, as if they would hem the king's ships about. The king also had a great land-force on his side, in addition to his shipmen; but it was loathful to almost all of them that they should fight against men of their own race; for there was little else there which was of much account except Englishmen, on either side; and more-