With the same rational and prudent policy, William respected the fallen
royal families, both of Harold and of Edward; at least, he warred not
against women; and the wealth and influence of the great English ladies
was enormous. Edith, sister of Harold, and widow of the Confessor, lived
in wealth and honor at Winchester. Gyda, Harold's mother, retained Exeter
and her land. Aldytha, [Footnote: See her history, told as none other can
tell it, in Bulwer's "Harold."] or Elfgiva, sister of Edwin and Morcar,
niece of Hereward, and widow, first of Griffin of Wales, and then of
Harold, lived rich and safe in Chester. Godiva, the Countess, owned, so
antiquarians say, manors from Cheshire to Lincolnshire, which would be now
yearly worth the income of a great duke. Agatha, the Hungarian, widow of
Edmund the outlaw, dwelt at Romsey, in Hampshire, under William's care.
Her son, Edward Etheling, the rightful heir of England, was treated by
William not only with courtesy, but with affection; and allowed to rebel,
when he did rebel, with impunity. For the descendant of Rollo, the heathen
Viking, had become a civilized, chivalrous, Christian knight. His mighty
forefather would have split the Etheling's skull with his own axe. A Frank
king would have shaved the young man's head, and immersed him in a
monastery.
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