gained, in luxurious living and sumptuous apparel.

The Norman barons, who had never, since the Conqueror's death, been satisfied with the division of the empire, regarded Robert as the rightful heir of the whole, and accordingly formed a conspiracy against William, which Odo the late king's brother promised to bring to maturity.

"William, sensible of the danger which threatened him, became more assiduous to gain the affections of the English: and by promises and concessions in their favour, speedily collected a numerous army; while Robert, prodigal in idle expences, squandered both his money and time until the opportunity was lost, for King William, seizing on his disaffected nobles, confiscated their estates, and banished them from his kingdom.

"After this a new breach took place between the brothers, and King William made some great encroachments on his brother's dukedom.

"At this period one of the most material events which we meet with in history took place, I mean the crusade or holy war, which was first projected by a man called Peter the hermit, a native of Amiens in Picardy. He made a pilgrimage to the holy sepulchre at Jerusalem, and saw, with indignation, the inhuman conduct of the infidels, who were in possession of that place, to the Christians. On his return, by the permission of the Pope, he went throughout Europe, preaching and calling upon all men to unite in expelling the infidels from the holy land; and such was the enthusiasm of the time, that men of all ranks obeyed the summons, distinguishing themselves by wearing a white habit with a red cross on the right shoulder. Amongst the great men who embarked in this enterprise was Robert Duke of Normandy. The crusade was entirely suited to his disposition, for he was naturally brave and ambitious of glory it also suited his situation, for he was poor, and harassed with insurrec

tions; and what perhaps more than all induced him to embrace it, he was naturally fond of change. To procure money for this expensive undertaking he mortgaged the dukedom of Normandy for ten thousand marks (6,6661. 13s. 4d.) to his brother William Rufus, who lost no opportunity to enrich himself.

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Though by this acquisition, William's territories were greatly increased, it added little to his peace or happiness, for he was constantly perplexed with conspiracies and insurrections of his new subjects, who detested him, and were ever more ready to dispute than to obey his commands.

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Greedy of gain, he next agreed to advance money to the Earl of Poictiers and Guienne, who had also collected an immense multitude for the expedition. It was lent on the mortgage of his dominions, and King William had prepared a fleet and army to take possession of the rich provinces entrusted to his care, when an accident put an end to all his ambi

tious projects; for, hunting in the New Forest of Hampshire, he was shot by an arrow aimed at a deer by Sir Walter Tyrrel, which, glancing against a tree, struck the king, who fell instantly dead. You doubtless remember this was the second of William the Conqueror's sons that fell in this spot. We are also informed by Camden, that his grandson Henry, by Robert his eldest son, while he was pursuing the chase in the same forest, was caught among the boughs by the head, and strangled before any one came to his assistance."

"How dreadful," said Frances; "indeed it looked as if God was angry, and made those that hunted in that forest unfortunate."

God, my dear child, is just; all good springs from him, and the misfortunes that attend us in this mortal life, are either the effect of our own depravity, or trials to fit us for a better state. William Rufus, the land groaned with his extortion and prodigality, until the

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wisdom of heaven thought fit to cut him off by the hand of Sir Walter Tyrrel. The other two were young, and of them historians say little; they might in mercy be snatched away before they were defiled with such gross sins as disgraced the rest of their family, and for the place, to them immaterial, only decreed as an awful memento to the survivors."

Pray, papa," said John, "what be

came of Sir Walter ?"

"He fled to France, and it is said joined the crusade that was setting out for Jerusalem. An old historian tells, that so little respect was paid to the body of the deceased king, that it was thrown into a common cart and taken to the city of Winchester, where it was interred the following day; and that for his death no one shed a tear, unless it was for joy, at being delivered from the rule of so unjust and avaricious a man.

"This king reigned twelve years and eleven months."

As Mr. Wilmot paused, John said,