This page has been validated.
BATTLE CRIES
349
and armed rustics, and both armies encamped that night only a mile apart, waiting for the light to begin the fray. The Saxons were confident and riotous; the Normans hopeful and grave. According to Wace, "all night the Saxons might be seen carousing, gambolling, and dancing and singing: bublie they cried, and wassail, and laticome and drinkheil and drink-to-me!"
Battle Abbey, the Gateway.
At daybreak in the Norman camp Bishop Odo celebrated High Mass, and immediately after was hurried into his armour to
