and Tostig and the other brothers had no other provision beyond the
comparatively insignificant lordships they held before. But if Harold
had ruled no earldom at all, he had still been immeasurably the first
man in England--so great was the confidence reposed in his valour and
wisdom. He was of that height in himself, that he needed no pedestal
to stand on.

The successor of the first great founder of a House succeeds to more
than his predecessor's power, if he but know how to wield and maintain
it. For who makes his way to greatness without raising foes at every
step? and who ever rose to power supreme, without grave cause for
blame? But Harold stood free from the enmities his father had
provoked, and pure from the stains that slander or repute cast upon
his father's name. The sun of the yesterday had shone through cloud;
the sun of the day rose in a clear firmament. Even Tostig recognised
the superiority of his brother; and after a strong struggle between
baffled rage and covetous ambition, yielded to him, as to a father.
He felt that all Godwin's House was centred in Harold alone; and that
only from his brother (despite his own daring valour and despite his
alliance with the blood of Charlemagne and Alfred, through the sister
of Matilda, the Norman duchess,) could his avarice of power be
gratified.

"Depart to thy home, my brother," said Earl Harold to Tostig, "and
grieve not that Algar is preferred to thee. For, even had his claim
been less urgent, ill would it have beseemed us to arrogate the
lordships of all England as our dues. Rule thy lordship with wisdom:
gain the love of thy lithsmen. High claims hast thou in our father's
name, and moderation now will but strengthen thee in the season to
come. Trust on Harold somewhat, on thyself more. Thou hast but to