The Death of Harold

Harold, on his part, used every possible exertion, and was distinguished as the most active and bravest amongst the soldiers in the host which he led on to destruction.

A Norman arrow wounded him in the left eye; he dropped from his steed in agony, and was borne to the foot of the standard. The English "began to give way, or rather, to retreat to the standard as their rallying point. The Normans encircled them, and fought desperately to reach this goal. "Robert Fitz-Ernest had almost seized the banner, but he was killed in the attempt, William led his troops on, with the intention, it is said, of measuring his sword with Harold. He did encounter an English horseman, from whom he received such a stroke upon his helmet that he was nearly brought to the ground. The Normans flew to the aid of their sovereign, and the bold Englishman was pierced by their lances. -- Palgrave