XV Philip of France
While Duke William was preparing for the invasion of England, and the nobles of Normandy were mustering their fighting men, and adventurous warriors were flocking from all quarters, with eager anticipation, to take part in the daring enterprise, he bethought him of repairing to the court of France, with the object of enlisting the sympathies, and securing the support, of the French king.
Philip, the son of Henry, and great-grandson of Hugh Capet, was then a boy of fourteen, and reigning under the guardianship of Baldwin, Count of Flanders. He was residing at St. Germain when William appeared to ask his aid and salute him with a degree of feudal deference seldom shown by the Dukes of Normandy to the Capetian kings.
“You are my seigneur,” said William, addressing the young king; “and if it please you to aid me, and I, by God’s grace, obtain my rights over England, I promise to do you homage for it, as though I held it from you.”
“Well,” answered Philip, “I will assemble my council of barons; for, without their advice, I cannot decide an affair so important.”
A council was accordingly called, and the expediency of assisting William was discussed; but the French barons, one and all, pronounced strongly against rendering any aid.
“You know,” said they to the king, “how ill the Normans obey you now.”
“True,” said Philip.
“It will be worse if they possess England,” said the barons. “Besides, it would cost us a great deal to assist Duke William; and, if he fail in his enterprise, the English will be our enemies for ever.”
The council, having determined on giving William no aid, rose; and Philip, repairing to the Norman duke, communicated the decision.
“My barons,” said he, “are of opinion that they ought not, in any way, to aid you in the conquest of England.”
“Are they?” exclaimed William, much disappointed. “Then, by the splendour of God! I will show them that I can conquer England without their help.”
“But,” asked the boy-king, with a sneer, “who will take care of your duchy while you are grasping at a crown?”
“My duchy,” answered William, fiercely, “shall not trouble my neighbours. I have a spouse of prudence, who can take charge of my duchy, and could take charge of much more, if it were necessary.”
And King Philip parted with his great subject, whom he was never henceforth to think of but as a formidable foe.