Duke to King

Duke William now called for his harness. His coat of mail was brought forth; but in putting it on, by some accident, the fore part was turned hindmost. Many a man would have been embarrassed at the evil omen, and in truth the hearts of many of William's followers sank. But his own ready wit never failed him; he was as able to turn the accident to his advantage as when he first took seizin of the soil of Sussex. The omen, he said, was in truth a good one; as the hauberk had been turned about, so he who bore it would be turned from a Duke into a King. Now fully armed, he called for his war-horse. -- Freeman

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