942-954 945-946 Political and matrimonial alliance between Rickard le-Grand § 47. Arrange in parallel columns the statements of the troubles and difficulties under which Hugh and Richard respectively laboured,—compare the means on the French side with the wants on the Norman, and vice versa,-and it will be seen, at the first glance, that the ways leading to a settlement, satisfactory for either of the parties, conjoined at the very point most desirable that both of them should attain. A secret conference ensued at Paris between the Duke of France and the two Bernards,-the two acute and Hugh- statesmen who had so cleverly outwitted Hughadvantage-le-Grand in the earlier stage of these transactions, but now, well contented to coalesce with him-Bernard, the Count of Senlis, head of Rollo's family, and Bernard the Dane, their adviser and supporter in all contingencies and disasters. The Bernards had been summoned to Paris, and they obediently attended accordingly. The course of proceedings intimates that, without having received any direct, or as we should say, any official communication, notifying the objects for which their presence was peremptorily required, they sufficiently anticipated the why and the wherefore they were called. ous to both Houses. Hugh-le-Grand whispered in confidence, that overtures had been made to him on the part of those enemies who were conspiring against Richard and against Normandy, Louis deter 945-946 mined to revenge his disgraces,-Arnoul pos- 942-954 sessed with implacable hatred against the son of the father whom he had murdered, -others scarcely less inveterate. The peril of foreign invasion was again imminent. Hugh-le-Grand rejoiced in acknowledging the dignity which the Ruler of Normandy could claim,—Richardus nec Regi nec Duci militat, nec ulli nisi Deo obsequi præstat.-Yet, whilst magnifying young Richard's independence, his freedom from all earthly subjection, Hugh lamented the absence of any support enabling him to oppose his enemies. No one was there who would stand by Richard; save his few old connections, none others who would circle round him. Grand in his wish Richard marry the little The Count of Senlis and Bernard the Dane Hugh-le concurred in opinion, and besought the Duke's sinuates advice. Hugh then spake wisely and discreetly that concerning the temptations to which Richard's should youthful passions exposed him: a congruous Emma. marriage would secure his domestic comfort, and encrease his political power; and Hugh therefore very solemnly exhorted the Bernards to do their duty and exercise their wits, in devising how sufficient protection for their Prince against such dangers, could be obtained. Counsel proceeding from such a powerful adviser dictated a conformable reply; but it was the second point takes the which elicited the first response. Seigneur, quoth the Count of Senlis, we know not whose ingly. Bernard hint and , answers accord 942-954 daughter could be so fitting as thine own, that lovely bright-haired Emma, gem and flower of beauty, peerless throughout the world. 945-946 Hugh-le- upon con Richard should "commend himself to in-law. Doncques respond Bernard de Saint-Liz: De ce suis bien certains et fixe, En nul lieu mieux en tout le monde Qu'en vostre fille od la chevelure blonde. Unhesitatingly did Hugh grant his assent, sents, but but, upon conditions, as he explained, equally dition that redounding to his benefit and the benefit of Richard. It is not the usage in France, spake Hugh, resuming his grave discourse, his father that any Prince or Duke, endowed with such possessions as the young Duke Richard, should continue all his days independent without submitting to some Suzerain, whether Duke, King, or Emperor, either through his own free will, or yielding to compulsion. For should, perchance, any such a Potentate, confiding in his own valour, or rejoicing in the extent of his possessions, obstinately persist in maintaining this affronting repudiation of the rules imposed by national feeling, he is constantly in danger of being engaged in quarrels and dissensions, and becoming involved in great disasters. And what was the remedy ?-If the young Richard, Bernard's nephew, would condescend to serve under Hugh, he, the Duke would forthwith concede his daughter in marriage, and, becoming Richard's counsellor, ally, and father,―assist him in defending against all men, that land 942-954 which he lawfully held. Et pour ceo, si agré lui vient La terre que il a et tient, S'il seul ma fille voult et prent. Lui serrai vers tout gent. 945-946 Senlis, on of Richard Normans, proposition. "Give him thy daughter. I elect and desire Bernard de that he should serve thee, and not the fraudu- the behalf lent King," was the Uncle's prompt reply to and the Hugh-le-Grand, who had thus proffered every- Hugh-lething which Normandy could expect or desire. Grand's Bernard de Senlis took upon himself the whole responsibility of the transaction: he answered as if his nephew Duke Richard, and the Norman people, had conjoined in appointing him their plenipotentiary, and his assent to the Treaty was accepted as obligatory upon all. and Emma poused ac Richard and Emma were solemnly be- Richard trothed. The little bride's tender age dictated are esthe postponement of the marriage, a delicacy cordingly. not always observed under similar circumstances. Hugh-le-Grand confirmed his promise by oath, that the union should be completed after the expiration of a specified period: and the espousals, thus contracted, were scarcely less binding than though the youth and the maiden had plighted their troth before the altar. Richard was fully accepted as the son-in-law of his great Suzerain. VOL. II. M M 945-946 942-954 Upon such joyful occasions, expectations are exuberant,—it would be out of course if they were not,—and, in the sturdy healthy Richard, and the radiant playful Emma, the public already admired by anticipation, the fruitful parents surrounded by a numerous and flourishing pro The Normans request that Richard geny. Not merely were the Normans satisfied with the feudal obligations which Richard had agreed to accept, but they were anxious that the compact should be speedily completed, graced by all the honours due to his birth and dignity. They considered, and sagaciously, that in proportion as the young Duke could be taught and brought to appreciate the respect rendered to his station, the more would he improve in discretion, and become formidable before the world at large. § 48. According to the pristine Teutonic usage, it was needed that the transition from youth to manhood should be marked by investknighted ing the Tyro with virile arms. In order therefore that Richard might possess the full comple may be by Duke Hugh. ment of worship, he must be dubbed a Knight: and Hugh-le-Grand cordially seized the opportunity of conferring a distinction, which, binding him closer to the Norman Duke, redounded to his own superiority. Hugh spared neither cost nor exertion whereby he could render the ceremonial worthy |