In this heat king William tooke such a sicknesse
(which was likewise aggrauated by the fall of an horsse as he rode to
and fro, bicause he was not able to trauell on foot about his palace
by reason of his disease) that cost him his life; [Sidenote: King
William departed this life. _Simon Dun._ _Matth. West._ The lix. of
his age hath _Wil. Malm._] so that when he had ordeined his last will,
and taken order for the staie of things after his decease, he departed
this life on the 9. day of September, in the yeare after the birth of
our Saviour 1087. and 74. (as Polydor saith) of his age, hauing
gouerned Normandie about 51. yeres, and reigned ouer England 20.
yeares, ten moneths, and 28. daies (as all writers doo report.)
[Sidenote: He set all prisoners at libertie saith _Wil. Malm._
_Polydor._] Not long before his death, he released his brother Odo
bishop of Bayeux out of prison, Marchar earle of Northumberland, and
Wilnotus the sonne of king Harold, or (as some say) his brother.
Moreouer he repented him (as some say) when he lay on his death bed,
of his cruell dealing with the English, considering that by them he
had atteined to such honour and dignitie, as to weare the crown and
scepter of a kingdome: but whether he did so or not, or that some
moonke deuised the excuse in fauour of the prince: surely he was a
puissant prince, and though his time was troublesome, yet he was right
fortunate in all his attempts.
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