Eldof (Earl)

Roman de Brut

• attestation: Earl Eldof was at the king's side on the day of battle (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Earl Eldof was near the king's side that day, together with many another baron"

• attestation: Eldof the Earl encountered Hengist in the press of battle and recognized him through hatred (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Eldof the Earl lighted on Hengist. Hatred gave him eyes, and he knew him again because of the malice he owed him"

• attestation: Eldof attacked Hengist with his sword in combat (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Eldof ran in upon his foe, striking him mightily with his sword"

• attestation: Eldof and Hengist fought in close combat with swords and shields (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "The two closed together, with naked brands and lifted shields, smiting and guarding"

• attestation: The combatants knew none would escape alive if they did not stand firm in the fight (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Well they knew not one would escape with his life, if they did not keep them in this peril"

• attestation: Eldof seized Hengist by the nose-guard of his helmet and dragged him among the Britons (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "He sprang upon Hengist, and seizing him by the nasal of his helmet, dragged him, with fallen head, amongst the Britons"

• attestation: Eldof announced Hengist's capture, thanking God for the victory over the land's great troubler (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Knights," he cried, "thanks be to God Who has given me my desire. He is vanquished and taken who has caused such trouble to the land"

• attestation: Eldof fought with renewed pride when he saw Gorlois approaching as reinforcement (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Eldof saw him come, and being assured of the end, arrayed himself against his adversary yet more proudly"

• attestation: Eldof was identified as Earl of Gloucester in the council scene (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "Eldof, Earl of Gloucester, was moved by the example furnished by the bishop"

• attestation: Eldof personally beheaded Hengist with his own sword outside the city (Roman de Brut > Aurelius, Hengist's Fall, and Stonehenge)

  "He rose in the council, and laying hands on Hengist led him without the city. There Eldof struck the head from Hengist with his own sword"