Duke William Raises The Papal
Standard
The Duke called for
the standard which the Pope had sent him, and, he who bore it
having unfolded it, the Duke took it and called to Raoul de
Conches.
'Bear my standard,' said he, 'for I would not but do you
right; by right and by ancestry your line are standard-bearers
of Normandy, and very good knights have they all been.'
But Raoul said that he would serve the Duke that day in other
guise, and would fight the English with his hand as long as
life should last.
Then the Duke bade Walter Giffard bear the standard. But he
was old and white-headed, and bade the Duke give the standard
to some younger and stronger man to carry. Then the Duke said
fiercely, 'By the splendor of God, my lords, I think you mean
to betray and fail me in this great need. 'Sire,' said Giffart,
'not so! we have done no treason, nor do I refuse from any
felony toward you; but I have to lead a great chivalry, both
hired men and the men of my fief. Never had I such good means
of serving you as I now have; and, if God please, I will serve
you; if need be I will die for you, and will give my own heart
for yours.'
"'By my faith,' quoth the Duke, 'I always loved thee, and now
I love thee more; if I survive this day, thou shalt be the
better for it all thy days.' Then he called out a knight, whom
he had heard much praised, Tosteins Fitz-Rou le Blanc by name,
whose abode was at Bec-en-Caux. To him he delivered the
standard; and Tosteins took it right cheerfully, and bowed low
to him in thanks, and bore it gallantly and with good heart.
His kindred still have quittance of all service for their
inheritance on this account, and their heirs are entitled so
to hold their inheritance forever.
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