have deserted Morcar for me."

Nearer and nearer came the force, and the shine of the arms was like
the glancing of ice.

"Advance the World-Ravager!" cried Harold Hardrada, "draw up, and to
arms!"

Then, picking out three of his briskest youths, he despatched them to
the force on the river with orders to come up quick to the aid. For
already, through the cloud and amidst the spears, was seen the flag of
the English King. On the previous night King Harold had entered York,
unknown to the invaders--appeased the mutiny--cheered the townsfolks;
and now came like a thunderbolt borne by the winds, to clear the air
of England from the clouds of the North.

Both armaments drew up in haste, and Hardrada formed his array in the
form of a circle,--the line long but not deep, the wings curving round
till they met [244], shield to shield. Those who stood in the first
rank set their spear shafts on the ground, the points level with the
breast of a horseman; those in the second, with spears yet lower,
level with the breast of a horse; thus forming a double palisade
against the charge of cavalry. In the centre of this circle was
placed the Ravager of the World, and round it a rampart of shields.
Behind that rampart was the accustomed post at the onset of battle for
the King and his body-guard. But Tostig was in front, with his own
Northumbrian lion banner, and his chosen men.

While this army was thus being formed, the English King was
marshalling his force in the far more formidable tactics, which his