The Fall of Harold

A barbarous outrage committed by Eustace of Bolougne and three other knights (Walter Giffard, Hugh de Montfort, and some one called "the heir of Ponthieu"), on the still breathing but mortally-wounded Harold, who, pierced through the right eye by a falling arrow, had sunk in agony at the foot of his standard. One knight thrust his lance through the shield of the dying King, and stabbed him in the breast; another assailant finished the work by striking off his head with his sword: but even this vengeance was not enough; a third pierced the dead body and scattered about the entrails; the fourth coming, it would seem, too late for any more efficient share in the deed, cut off the king's leg as he lay dead! -- Carmen de Bello