It is the misfortune of men little famous for worldly lore, that in
those few occasions when, in that sagacity caused by their very
freedom from the strife and passion of those around, they seem almost
prophetically inspired,--it is their misfortune to lack the power of
conveying to others their own convictions; they may divine, but they
cannot reason: and Harold could detect nothing to deter his purpose,
in a vague fear, based on no other argument than as vague a perception
of the Duke's general character. But Gurth, listening less to his
reason than his devoted love for his brother, took alarm, and said,
after a pause:

"Thinkest thou, good my King, that the same danger were incurred if
Gurth, instead of Harold, crossed the seas to demand the hostages?"

"No," said Edward, eagerly, "and so would I counsel. William would
not have the same objects to gain in practising his worldly guile upon
thee. No; methinks that were the prudent course."

"And the ignoble one for Harold," said the elder brother, almost
indignantly. "Howbeit, I thank thee, gratefully, dear King, for thy
affectionate heed and care. And so the saints guard thee!"

On leaving the King, a warm discussion between the brothers took
place. But Gurth's arguments were stronger than those of Harold, and
the Earl was driven to rest his persistence on his own special pledge
to Githa. As soon, however, as they had gained their home, that plea
was taken from him; for the moment Gurth related to his mother
Edward's fears and cautions, she, ever mindful of Godwin's preference
for the Earl, and his last commands to her, hastened to release Harold