On the part of the Normans it was spent in prayer, and in a cool and steady preparation for the engagement; on the side of the English, in riot and a vain confidence that neglected all the necessary preparations.
Burke contrasts the preparation of the Normans with the English's overconfidence before battle.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.
They have little regard to the obvious consequences of their doctrine, though they may see that it leaves positive authority in very few of the positive institutions of this country.
But the course of succession is the healthy habit of the British Constitution.
The people of England will not ape the fashions they have never tried, nor go back to those which they have found mischievous on trial.
Other voices in this conversation
