THis Historie is recorded by an Historiographer of ancient times, who writes himselfe Anonymus, or without name, by Gulielm. Malmesbury, Vincentius, Ran••lphus, Fabian, Polydore, and others. As Robert duke of Nor∣mandie, and father to William the Conqueror, rid through the towne of Falois, he beheld a beautifull Virgin (a Skinners daughter) playing and dan∣cing amongst other Virgins: with whose feature beeing on the suddaine surprised, he so farre preuayled by his secret messages and gifts, that shee was priuately conueyed into the dukes chamber, and there lodged and put in a bed, to await his comming: who glad of such a purchase, without much circumstance made himselfe readie for the businesse intended. The cham∣ber cleared, and the place voyded, and he readie to accomplish his desires, she rent her smocke from the chinne to the foot•• to make the freer way for the Prince: and hee demanding the reason of her so doing, shee made him this prettie and read•••• answere; It were neyther fit nor comely, that the nether part of my smocke should be ••••••ned up, and kisse the lippes of my lord: at which the duke was much delighted. And that night was begot Willia•• the Bastard, whom our Chronicles honour with the name of Con∣queror: whether at first in memorie of this least, or since, in disgrace of the Wanton, it is not decided. But from that Harlotta, or Arlotta, our prostitutes and common wenches ••re to this day in our vulgar Tongue called Harlots.
* 1.1In the yeere of our Lord 1036, Henry the second Emperour of that name, was marryed to Guinilde, the daughter of Can••tus a D••ne, and king of England. This Empe••our had a sister, a professed Nunne, whom he loued so