tyranny, of intolerance, of superstition—the more we contrast the rudeness of other ages with the comforts and refinements of our own—the wiser, the more grateful, the happier we shall be!
Additional Notes.
Page 17. The eve of the battle.—We must recollect that the contrast between Saxon riot and Norman sanctity is drawn by a Norman pen. The words bublie and laticome put into the mouths of the Saxons remain unexplained; though Mr. Blaauw suggests that the latter may, by some perversion, represent the defiant phrase, "Let them come on!"
Page 28. The slaughter at Malfosse.—Since the preceding pages have been in type, I have learned the existence of an opinion that this "deplorable accident" must have occurred "on the precipitous slope and dell behind Beauport, where Sir Charles Lambe, not long ago, found many bones in the lower swampy ground." But a diligent examination of the various accounts of the battle convinces me that the statement I have given is the correct one; and that William's pretended retreat could not have been to so great a distance from Harold's camp as Beauport, which is three miles from the spot. Besides, the name Malfosse, which was retained in 1176, and (in the slightly corrupted form of Manfosse) in 1279, is clearly identified with the accident, by its contiguity to Winchester-croft, a place well-known, and lying as I have stated, west by north of the town.
"Adam, son of Adam Picot, Deed of release to Reginald Abbot of Battel of nine acres of land and wood in Manfosse, called Wincestrecroft, in exchange for twelve acres of land and wood near the Birechette. Dated Battel, Eve of St. Michael, 1279. Seal fine and perfect."—Thorpe's Cat. Battel Abbey Charters p. 50.
