"Let every man," such were the words—"let every man that is not a nothing, whether in the town or country, leave his house and come."
The appeal was not made in vain. At the time and place appointed thirty thousand Saxons rallied round the Red King's banner.
It was at the head of this body of men, who were mostly on foot, that William, with some Norman cavalry, marched towards Rochester, where Odo of Bayeux was strongly posted. The Saxons, to whom Odo was peculiarly odious, displayed great eagerness for the strife, vowed vengeance against the oppressors, and beleaguered Rochester on all sides. Closely pressed, the Bishop of Bayeux and his friends soon offered to yield, and to acknowledge Rufus as King, on condition of being allowed to retain their honours and their lands. Rufus, who was brave, though his courage somewhat resembled that of a wild beast, at first refused to listen to such terms. But the Normans in his army, having no mind to slaughter their friends and kinsmen, pressed him to accede.
"We, who have aided thee in this danger," said they, "pray thee to spare our countrymen and relatives, who are also thine, and who aided thy father to conquer England."
"Well," said Rufus, yielding to their representations, "I will grant them liberty to depart with arms and horses."
"But," said Odo, "we must stipulate that the king's military music shall not play in token of victory at our departure."
"By St. Luke's face!" exclaimed Rufus, fiercely, on hearing of this demand, "I will not make any such concession for a thousand gold marks."
Accordingly, when Odo and his friends left Rochester, with colours lowered, the royal trumpets sounded in token of victory; but far louder were the clamours that arose from the assembled Saxons.
"Bring us cords!" some cried; "we will hang this traitor bishop, with all his accomplices!"