THE SCENE: It feels very English that the arrival of the invading army of William the Conqueror is met not with fanfare, but rather with a clumsy pratfall that is quickly explained away through awkward rationalizations.
THE TEXT: As the ships were drawn to shore, and the duke first landed, he fell by chance upon his two hands. Forthwith all raised a loud cry of distress, “An evil sign,” said they, “is here.” But he cried out lustily, “See, seignors, by the splendour of God! I have seized England with my two hands; without challenge no prize can be made; all is our own that is here; and now we shall see who will be the bolder man.” Then one of his men ran forward and put his hand on a hut, and took a handful of the thatch, and turned to the duke, saying heartily, “Sire, come forward and receive seizin; of this land I give you seizin; without doubt the country is yours.” And the duke said, “I accept it; may God be with us.”
– Roman de Rou, Master Wace, 12th Century AD
