The council, having determined on giving William no aid, rose; and Philip, repairing to the Norman duke, communicated the decision.
"My barons," said he, "are of opinion that they ought not, in any way, to aid you in the conquest of England."
"Are they?" exclaimed William, much disappointed. "Then, by the splendour of God! I will show them that I can conquer England without their help."
"But," asked the boy-king, with a sneer, "who will take care of your duchy while you are grasping at a crown?"
"My duchy," answered William, fiercely, "shall not trouble my neighbours. I have a spouse of prudence, who can take charge of my duchy, and could take charge of much more, if it were necessary."
And King Philip parted with his great subject, whom he was never henceforth to think of but as a formidable foe.
