Part 46 (1/2)

And grateful to the hand that s.h.i.+elded him, He promised that if ever he were king In England, he would give his kingly voice To me as his successor. Knowest thou this?

HAROLD. I learn it now.

WILLIAM. Thou knowest I am his cousin, And that my wife descends from Alfred?

HAROLD. Ay.

WILLIAM. Who hath a better claim then to the crown So that ye will not crown the Atheling?

HAROLD. None that I know ... if that but hung upon King Edward's will.

WILLIAM. Wilt thou uphold my claim?

MALET (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Be careful of thine answer, my good friend.

WULFNOTH (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Oh! Harold, for my sake and for thine own!

HAROLD. Ay ... if the king have not revoked his promise.

WILLIAM. But hath he done it then?

HAROLD. Not that I know.

WILLIAM. Good, good, and thou wilt help me to the crown?

HAROLD. Ay ... if the Witan will consent to this.

WILLIAM. Thou art the mightiest voice in England, man, Thy voice will lead the Witan--shall I have it?

WULFNOTH (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Oh! Harold, if thou love thine Edith, ay.

HAROLD. Ay, if--

MALET (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Thine 'ifs' will sear thine eyes out--ay.

WILLIAM. I ask thee, wilt thou help me to the crown?

And I will make thee my great Earl of Earls, Foremost in England and in Normandy; Thou shalt be verily king--all but the name-- For I shall most sojourn in Normandy; And thou be my vice-king in England. Speak.

WULFNOTH (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Ay, brother--for the sake of England--ay.

HAROLD. My lord--

MALET (_aside to_ HAROLD).

Take heed now.

HAROLD. Ay.

WILLIAM. I am content, For thou art truthful, and thy word thy bond.

To-morrow will we ride with thee to Harfleur.