There is another problem which the tapestry raises and leaves
unsolved. It is generally supposed that Harold brought with. him to Normandy his sister Aelfgifu or Aelfgiva, whom he consented to affiance to a- Norman. baron. A regrettable incident appears at this juncture to have occurred. We are shown how Harold, after being released from his captivity at the castle of Beaurain, is handed over to Duke William at Eu ; we are then shown how he is taken to the palace at Rouen and received by the Duke in official audience. The script which accompanies the pictures then continues as follows: " Where a certain clerk and Aelfgyva . . ." Modesty, or lack of space, prevents the commentator from telling us exactly what occurred between the clerk and Harold's sister. Nor is the accompanying illustration any more illuminating. Aelfgyva is depicted standing forlornly under a wooden arch of Norse design surmounted by two horses'. heads. Her hands are raised in what may be protest, or what may be delighted surprise. And the clerk in a most debonair manner, with his left hand upon his hip, is with his right hand stroking Aelfgyva upon the chin. "U bi unus clerigus et Aelgyva . . ." runs the inscription above them, and below crouches a small figure of salacious significance. But we shall never know what happened to Harold's sister during those few weeks at Rouen before they all rode off together towards Avranches.
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