The English Retreat
"The English were
in great trouble at having lost their King and at the Duke's
having conquered and beat down the standard; but they still
fought on, and defended themselves long, and in fact till the
day drew to a close.
Then it clearly
appeared to all that the standard was lost, and the news had
spread throughout the army that Harold, for certain, was dead;
and all saw that there was no longer any hope, so they left
the field, and those fled who could.
William fought well; many an assault did he lead, many a blow
did he give, and many receive, and many fell dead under his
hand.
Two horses were
killed under him, and he took a third when necessary, so that
he fell not to the ground and lost not a drop of blood. But
whatever anyone did, and whoever lived or died, this is
certain that William conquered and that many of the English
fled from the field, and many died on the spot."
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