‘An hundred King’s own court-men
The warrior had burned
In hottest fire (to the men
An eve of singeing was it).
’Tis said that the men
’Neath the wolf’s claw must lie;
Gray steed of the troll-quean
Gave victuals to the swords.’
¶ Thereon caused William himself to be proclaimed King of England, and thereafter sent he to Earl Walthiof proffering him peace & appointing a truce so that a meeting might take place betwixt them. The Earl fared to it with but few men, and when he was come on the heath north of the castle bridge two of the King’s bailiffs advanced upon him with a band of men, and when they had taken him they put him in chains; thereafter he was beheaded. The English call him sainted.[§] Thus saith Thorkel:
‘’Tis doubtless that manly Walthiof