CHAPTER II. 

BIRTH OF WILLIAM. 

A.D. 912-1033 

Castle at Falaise.--Present ruins of the castle.--Scenery of the town and castle.--Wall and buildings.--Watch-towers.--Sentinels.--Enchanting prospect.--Chronological history of the Norman line.--Rollo.--William I., second duke.--Richard I., third duke.--Richard II., fourth duke.--Richard III., fifth duke.--Intrigues of Robert.--He becomes the sixth duke.--Robert and Henry.--William's mother.--Robert's first meeting with Arlotte.--He is captivated.--Robert sends for Arlotte.--Scruples of her father.--Arlotte sent to the castle.--Robert's affection for her.--Birth of William.--The nurse's prediction.--William's childhood.--He is a universal favorite.--Robert determines to visit the Holy Land.--Dangers of the journey.--He makes William his heir.--Surprise of the assembly.--The nobles do homage to William.--William is taken to Paris.--He is presented to the French king. 

Although Rouen is now very far before all the other cities of Normandy in point of magnitude and importance, and though Rollo, in his conquest of the country, made it his principal head-quarters and his main stronghold, it did not continue exclusively the residence of the dukes of Normandy in after years. The father of William the Conqueror was Robert, who became subsequently the duke, the sixth in the line. He resided, at the time when William was born, in a great castle at Falaise. Falaise, as will be seen upon the map, is west of Rouen, and it stands, like Rouen, at some distance from the sea. The castle was built upon a hill, at a little distance from the town. It has long since ceased to be habitable, but the ruins still remain, giving a picturesque but mournful beauty to the eminence which they crown. They are often visited by travelers, who go to see the place where the great hero and conqueror was born.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who was William’s father?
2. Which person was William’s father?
3. 
Q2:
1. What was Robert about to be?
2. What title would Robert soon have?
3. 
Q3:
1. What is Robert’s full name generation wise?
2. What rank is Robert’s duke title?
3. 
Q4:
1. How is William also referred to ?
2. What name does William also go by?
3. 
Q5:
1. Where was William living when he was young?
2. In what kind of home was William living when he was young?
3. 
Q6:
1. In what place was William’s house?
2. In what town did William have his home?
3. 
Q7:
1. Where exactly is Falaise?
2. Where is Falaise located?
3. 
Q8:
1. How can you check the location of Falaise?
2. How can you know exactly where Falaise is located?
3. 
Q9:
1. Was anyone living near the castle?
2. Had anyone been living close to the castle?
3. 
Q10:
1. Could water be found near the castle?
2. Was the castle near water?
3. 
