haue from me my head, Which made me to indite another thing Vnto
the duke, then playne and true meaning: I gaue him hope of that I
neuer meant: These were the lines which to the duke I sent.
Harolde the English King, to thee William, Duke of Normandie.
Harold the English king, thee William Duke doth greete:
Thy letter being read, I haue not thought it meete,
Without a parliament to do so great a thing,
As of a forrayne duke, to make an Englishe kyng:
But if my three estates will follow mine[1255] aduise,
Thou shalt receiue the crowne, and beare away the price: