Note 759 — Chapter VIII · THE EARLY YEARS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR.[497] A.D. 1028–1051. (continued 2)

The original writers of course do not greatly trouble themselves about the seeming inconsistency of Henry’s conduct. There is perhaps a slight touch of sarcasm in the words of William of Jumièges (vii. 17), “Tunc tandem Rex memor beneficii quod a patre ejus sibi quondam impensum fuerat, vires Francorum simul coëgit.” So William of Malmesbury knows no motive but pure gratitude (iii. 230); “Necessitas Regem tutorem excivit ut desperatis partibus pupilli succurreret. Itaque paternæ benevolentiæ recordatus, quod eum favore suo in regnum sublimaverat, apud Walesdunas in defectores irruit.” We then find ourselves in the thick of the battle. Orderic (372 A) seems to make it an act of simple magnanimity on the King’s part; “At ille [Henricus], ut erat clemens, desolato adolescenti compatiens, robur exercitûs Francorum excivit, et in Neustriam Duci auxiliaturus perrexit.” William, or Orderic, in the death-bed summary (657 E), leaves out the French aid altogether; “Tunc auxiliante Deo, qui justus judex est, inter Cadomum et Argentias hostes vici.”