Note 1251 — THE COMPLAINT OF HAROLDE.
Reading edition
My men of warre were mustred out of hand, But all my haste was then of none auaile: My brother Tostius with his rebell band, In euery place my subiects did assaile, And euery where did cause their hearts to quaile: Whose wretched state from farther spoile to shield, I by my power did force him flie the field. He fled to Norway whence a cloud did rise That did obscure the shine of my content, When loe the Norman duke did then deuise, If I to yeeld my scepter would assent, For which betwixt vs to and fro there went Despightfull letters, which I will recite, Wherein he claimes, and I defend my right. N.