However,  the  influence  of  the  Normans  was  the  popular
pretence  for  the  disaffection  of  the  duke  of  Wessex  to  the
king  and  his  government.  Godwin  raised  the  standard  of
rebellion ;  but  finding  himself,  from  the  desertion  of  his
troops,  incapable  of  opposing  his  sovereign,  he  fled  to
Flanders.  Returning  with  a  powerful  fleet,  which  the
earl  of  Flanders  had  permitted  him  to  prepare  in  his  har-
bours, a  new  reconciliation  took  place,  and  the  most  ob-
noxious of  the  Normans  were  banished.
Godwin's  death,  which  happened  soon  after,  devolved
his  government  of  Wessex,  Sussex,  Kent,  and  Essex,  with
his  office  of  steward  of  the  household,  on  his  son  Harold,


34  HISTORY  OF  ENGLAND.
who  was  actuated  by  an  ambition  equal  to  that  of  his
father,  and  was  superior  to  him  in  virtue  and  address.
Edward,  who  felt  the  approach  of  age  and  infirmities,  and
had  no  issue  himself,  began  to  think  of  appointing  a  suc-
cessor to  his  kingdom  ;  and,  at  length,  he  fixed  his  choice
on  his  kinsman,  William,  duke  of  Normandy.
