Page:The reign of William Rufus and the accession of Henry the First.djvu/73

 object is to hinder a separation between the two kingdoms, as they are somewhat daringly called. It is clear that to men who held lands in both countries it would be a gain to have only one lord instead of two; but, if we rightly understand the arguments which are put into the mouths of the speakers, it was held that, if England had again a king of her own, though it were a king of the Conqueror's house, the work of the Conquest would be undone. The men who had won England with their blood would be brought down from their dominion in the conquered island. If they have two lords, there will be no hope of pleasing both; faithfulness to the one will only lead to vengeance on the part of the other. William was young and insolent, and they owed him no duty. Robert was the eldest son; his ways were more tractable, and they had sworn to him during the life-time of his father. Let them then make a firm agreement to stand by one another, to kill or dethrone William, and to make Robert ruler of both lands. Robert, we are told, approved of the scheme, and promised that he would give them vigorous help to carry it out. *