He said to Gurth that they were few to conquer so great a kingdom , that he had in all the land 400,000 armed men. Gurth said all those who came from beyond the sea were much to be feared, they were well armed , well mounted , and had bows and barbed arrows.
Whilst they were speaking of those Normans, whom they were noticing, there issues another column still greater, hard by the first, in close order, which turned to another part of the field , and drew up as the others.
Harold says to Gurth , " Our enemies increase,my heart is in great fear." Gurth replies, " It had been better if you had staid at London , or at Winchester , as I advised you." Harold said , " I was born on a Saturday, and my mother used to say great good would come to me on that day." " Mad is he," said Gurth, " who believes in chance. You say you were born on Saturday, on this day you may be slain ."
Just then there came a company who covered all the open . There was the banner raised, which was brought from Rome: next the ensign marched the Duke : there were the best, there were the most ; there were the good knights, the good vassals, and the good warriors ; there were the gentle barons, the good archers, and the good men -at-arms who had to guard the Duke and march around him.
The boys and the other rabble who had no business in the battle, who guarded the arms in reserve,turned towards a hill. The priests and those in orders also ascended a hill to pray and beseech God , and watch the battle.
