Note 39 — Chapter XXII
Edgar Taylor translation
It is generally understood that not RICHARD D'AVRANCHES, in the Cotentin, (though living at the time), but his son HUGH LUPUS accompanied the conqueror; receiving in 1070 the earldom of Chester, to hold 'tam liberè ad gladium sicut ipse rex tenebat Angliam per coronam.' See Ordericus Vitalis, 787, and Introd. Domesday, i. 437. In the Red book, 'comes Cestriæ 10 mil. de Sancto Severo et de Bregesard; et ad serv. suum 51 mil. et dim. et 4m. et 8m. Idem de fœdo Morton.' In the inquest of Bayeux knights 'comes Cestriæ tenet 5 mil. de episcopo fœdum,' of which the particulars are given. Of Hugh Lupus Gaimar draws a striking portrait: as well as of others of these fortunate leaders. In speaking of an enormous guard of honour that William kept about him when going from England to Normandy, he says;
Il les tenoit ne sai pur quoi Car nule guerre il n'avoit, Ne de nul horn ne se cremoit: Mes par sa grant nobilité Avoit cele gent od soi mené. Qe dirroie de ses barons? Quieus homs estoit li quens Huons! L'empereur de Lumbardie Ne menoit pas tiele compaignie Come il fesoit de gent privée. Ja sa [tiel] meson ne tut vée A gentil home ne a franc. Ewe en viver u en estanc Ert plus legier a espucher Que n'iert son beivre ne son manger. Touz tens avoit richesce assez; Ja tant n'eust le jor donez Qe lendemain li sovenist, E q'autretant ne departist. Conte de Cestre estoit clamé; Od grant gent est au roi alé.