Note 5 — Chapter XXIV

Some discrepancy has been pointed out between the account here given by Wace and that found in William of Jumieges and William of Poitiers. The Latin historians say more as to resistance to the last in the battle. There can, however, hardly be said to be any material variance. The fight being ended, all agree that the English army dispersed and ultimately fled; and what Wace dwells upon seems to have reference to the circumstances of this final retreat. Benoit says,

Cele occise, cele dolor Tint tant cum point i out deu jor, Ne la nuit ne failli la paine Ci que parut le Diemaine. —si quide l'om bien e creit Qu'a cinc milliers furent esmé Sol eu grant champ del fereiz, Quant qu'il fussent desconfiz Estre l'occise e la martire Qui fu tute la nuit a tire.