Page:The reign of William Rufus and the accession of Henry the First.djvu/318

 sought for in imagination, at some point, perhaps the south-eastern corner, of the vast halles of ancient Rouen.

The rule of Robert was now restored in Rouen, so far as Robert could be said to rule at any time in Rouen or elsewhere. It is remarkable that after the death of Conan we lose sight of Henry; that is, as far as Rouen is concerned, for we shall before long hear of him again in quite different relations towards his two brothers. He may well have thought that one fearful example was needed, but that one fearful example was enough. He would secure the punishment of the ringleader, even by doing the hangman's duty with his own hands; but mere havoc and massacre had no charms for him at any time. His policy might well have forestalled the later English rule, "Smite the leaders and spare the commons." If Robert or anybody else was to reign in Rouen, nothing would be gained by killing, driving out, or recklessly spoiling, the people over whom he was to reign. But there were men at his side to whom the utmost licence of warfare was the most cherished of enjoyments. The Duke, never personally cruel, was in a merciful mood. When all danger was over, he was brought across the river from his monastery to the castle. He saw how much the city had already suffered; his heart was touched, and he was not minded to inflict any further punishment. But he had to yield to the sterner counsels of those about him, and to allow a heavy vengeance to be meted out. He seems however to have prevailed so far as to hinder the shedding of blood. At least we hear nothing of any general slaughter. The fierce men who had brought him back seem to have contented themselves with plunder and leading into captivity. The citizens