Page:Sussex Archaeological Collections, volume 6.djvu/47

 known as Cantilena Rolandi, and which Wace describes as the song of "Karlemaine, and of Rollant, of Oliver, and the vassals who died in Renchevals." He then began a series of exploits, which Gaimar graphically enumerates:—

Thus began the battle of Hastings—"that battle whereof," to employ the words of Wace, "the fame is yet mighty! Loud and far resounded the bray of the horns, and the shocks of the lances, the mighty strokes of clubs, and the quick clashing of swords." The Norman war-cry "Dieu aide" was answered by the Saxon-English "Out, out!" "Holy Cross!" "God Almighty!" Taillefer was still conspicuous in the melee. The