was chosen, that spokesman said: "William is our lord; is it not
enough to pay to our lord his dues? No aid do we owe beyond the seas!
Sore harassed and taxed are we already by his wars! Let him fail in
this strange and unparalleled hazard, and our land is undone!"

Loud applause followed this speech; the majority of the council were
against the Duke.

"Then," said Fitzosborne, craftily, "I, who know the means of each man
present, will, with your leave, represent your necessities to your
Count, and make such modest offer of assistance as may please ye, yet
not chafe your liege."

Into the trap of this proposal the opponents fell; and Fitzosborne, at
the head of the body, returned to William. The Lord of Breteuil
approached the dais, on which William sate alone, his great sword in
his hand, and thus spoke:

"My liege, I may well say that never prince has people more leal than
yours, nor that have more proved their faith and love by the burdens
they have borne and the monies they have granted."

An universal murmur of applause followed these words. "Good! good!"
almost shouted the merchants especially. William's brows met, and he
looked very terrible. The Lord of Breteuil gracefully waved his hand,
and resumed:

"Yea, my liege, much have they borne for your glory and need; much
more will they bear."