But Harold
remembring himselfe of a wile, dispatched a messenger forth with all
speed vnto William, duke of Normandie, signifieng vnto him, that he
being sent from king Edward to confirme such articles, as other meane
men that had beene sent vnto him afore had talked of, by chance he was
fallen into the hands of the earle of Ponthieu, and kept as prisoner
against all order of law, reason, or humanitie. Duke William thus
informed by the messenger, sent to the earle of Ponthieu, requiring
him to set earle Harold at libertie, that he might repaire to him
according to his commission. The earle of Ponthieu at the dukes
[Sidenote: Harold is presented to William duke of Normandie.]
request, did not onelie restore Harold to his libertie, but also
brought him into Normandie, and presented him there to the duke, of
whome he was most ioifullie receiued.
[Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
There be that agree partlie with this report, and partlie varie:
for they write, that earle Harold tooke the sea vpon purpose to haue
sailed into Flanders, and that by force of wind he was driuen to the
coast of Ponthieu, and so after came into Normandie in maner as before
is mentioned.
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