Note 9 — PART II HISTORICAL STUDIES (continued 2)
Reading edition
How can such language as this be reconciled with the statement as to Earl Robert's apathy at the very time when Henry's efforts offered him a unique opportunity of pursuing his war against the king? Mr Howlett does not attempt to meet, or even notice, this objection. Moreover, when the Gesta proceeds to describe Earl William of Gloucester as devoted to his own pleasures rather than to war,9 we see that the conduct so incredible in his father would in him be what we might expect.