The Earl of Ponthieu is seated, while Harold stands in a posture
of humility.
10. Two ambassadors from Duke William to Earl Guy arrive
at Beaurain, and demand the release of Harold. The Picard
Earl receives them standing, with somewhat of an air of haughti-
ness. His mantle is open on the right shoulder, but tucked up
on the left.
11. The ambassadors of William use threats to Earl Guy.
They seem to say that if Earl Harold is not delivered up, then
William Duke of Normandy will march his powerful army
against Earl Guy. What can he do then? Near this point the
border contains a suggestive block, and an executioner with his
hatchet.
12. A swift messenger on bended knee delivers his message
to Duke William, seated on his throne beside his castle gate.
Over the gate are two sentinels.
13. Harold is delivered up to Duke William at the castle of
Eu, the nearest castle in Normandy to the county or earldom
of Guy of Ponthieu.
THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY. 69

14. Harold is conducted to Rouen by William, and lodged
in the Palace.
15. Elgiva, perhaps the daughter of William, and a priest.
This scene needs further explanation. It has been suggested
that perhaps she was the sister of Harold !

1 6. Duke William and his army march to St. Michael's Mount
with Harold in their company, and commence a campaign
against Conan Duke of Brittany. The famous Mount St. Michael
is represented by a castle on a small hillock. William is on
horseback in scale armour.
1 7. They next cross the little river Coesnon, and Earl Harold
rescues some Norman knights from the treacherous quicksand,
being very tall and strong. Note that in the Latin inscriptions
Harold is sometimes called Dux Anglorum.
