<P_X,141>

<heading>

THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN . (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.3)

THE FOURTH BOOK (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.4)

</heading>

The <font> Saxons </font> grown up now to 7 absolute Kingdoms , and the
latest of them establish'd by succession , finding thir power arrive
well nigh at the utmost of what was to be gain'd upon the <font>
Britans </font> , and as little fearing to be displanted by them , had
time now to survey at leasure one anothers greatness . Which quickly
bred among them , either envy , or mutual jealousies ; till the West
Kingdom at length grown over powerful , put an end to all the rest .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,141.6)

Mean while , above others , <font> Ethelbert </font> of <font> Kent
</font> , who by this time had well rip'nd his young ambition , with
more ability of years and experience in War , what before he attempted
to his loss , now successfully attains ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.7)

and by degrees brought all the other Monarchies between <font> Kent
</font> and <font> Humber </font> , to be at his devotion . To which
design the Kingdom of <font> West-Saxons </font> , being the firmest of
them all , at that time sore shak'n by thir overthrow at <font>
Wodens-beorth </font> , and the Death of <font> Keaulin </font> , gave
him no doubt a main advantage ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.8)

the rest yeilded not subjection , but as he earn'd it by continual
Victories . (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.9)

And to win him the more regard abroad , he marries <font> Bertha
</font> the French Kings Daughter , though a Christian , and with this
condition , to have the free exercise of her Faith , under the care and
instruction of <font> Letardus </font> a Bishop , sent by her Parents
along with her ; the King notwithstanding and his people retaining thir
own Religion . (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.10)

<font> Beda </font> out of <font> Gildas </font> laies it sadly to the
<P_X,142> <font> Britans </font> charge , that they never would
voutsafe thir <font> Saxon </font> Neighbours the means of conversion :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,142.11)

but how far to blame they were , and what hope there was of converting
in the midst of so much hostility , at least falshood from thir first
arrival , is not now easie to determin . (MILTON-E3-H,X,142.12)

Howbeit not long after , they had the Christian Faith preach't to them
by a Nation more remote , and <paren> as a report went , accounted old
in <font> Bedas </font> time </paren> upon this occasion .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,142.13)

The <font> Northumbrians </font> had a custom at that time , and many
hunder'd yeares after not abolish't , to sell thir Children for a small
value into any Foren Land . Of which number , two comly youths were
brought to <font> Rome </font> , whose fair and honest countnances
invited <font> Gregory </font> Arch-Deacon of that Citty , among others
that beheld them , pittying thir condition , to demand whence they were
; (MILTON-E3-H,X,142.14)

it was answer'd by som who stood by , that they were <font> Angli
</font> of the Province <font> Deira </font> , subjects to <font> Alla
</font> King of <font> Northumberland </font> , and by Religion Pagans
. Which last <font> Gregory </font> deploring , fram'd on a sudden this
allusion to the three names he heard ; that the <font> Angli </font> so
like to Angels should be snatch't de ira , that is , from the wrath of
God , to sing Hallelujah : (MILTON-E3-H,X,142.15)

and forthwith obtaining licence of <font> Benedict </font> the Pope ,
had come and preach't heer among them , had not the <font> Roman
</font> people , whose love endur'd not the absence of so vigilant a
Pastor over them , recall'd him then on his journey , though but
deferr'd his pious intention . (MILTON-E3-H,X,142.16)

For a while after , succeeding in the Papal Seat , and now in his
fourth year , admonisht , saith <font> Beda </font> , by divine
instinct , he sent <font> Augustine </font> whom he had design'd for
Bishop of the <P_X,143> <font> English </font> Nation , and other
zealous Monks with him , to preach to them the Gospel . Who being now
on thir way , discouraged by some reports , or thir own carnal fear ,
sent back <font> Austin </font> , in the name of all , to beseech
<font> Gregory </font> they might return home , and not be sent a
journey so full of hazard , to a fierce and infidel Nation , whose
tongue they understood not . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.17)

<font> Gregory </font> with pious and Apostolic perswasions exhorts
them not to shrink back from so good a work , but cheerfully to go on
in the strength of divine assistance . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.18)

The Letter it self yet extant among our Writers of Ecclesiastic story ,
I omit heer , as not professing to relate of those matters more then
what mixes aptly with civil affairs . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.19)

The Abbot <font> Austin </font> , for so he was ordain'd over the rest
, reincourag'd by the exhortations of <font> Gregory </font> , and his
fellows by the Letter which he brought them , came safe to the Ile of
<font> Tanet </font> , in number about , besides some of the French
Nation whom they took along as Interpreters . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.20)

<font> Ethelbert </font> the King , to whom <font> Austin </font> at
his landing had sent a new and wondrous message , that he came from
<font> Rome </font> to proffer Heav'n and eternal happiness in the
knowledge of another God then the <font> Saxons </font> knew , appoints
them to remain where they landed , and necessaries to be provided them
, consulting in the mean time what was to be done .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,143.21)

And after certain days coming into the Iland , chose a place to meet
them under the open Sky , possest with an old perswasion , that all
Spells , if they should use any to deceive him , so it were not within
doors , would be unavailable . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.22)

They on the other side call'd to his presence , advancing for thir
Standard , a silver cross , and the painted <P_X,144> image of our
Saviour , came slowly forward singing thir solemn Litanies : which
wrought in <font> Ethelbert </font> more suspition perhaps that they
us'd enchantments ; till sitting down as the King will'd them , they
there preach'd to him , and all in that assembly , the tidings of
Salvation . Whom having heard attentively , the King thus answer'd .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,144.23)

Fair indeed and ample are the promises which ye bring , and such things
as have the appearance in them of much good ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,144.24)

yet such as being new and uncertain , I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} hastily
assent to , quitting the Religion which from my Ancestors , with all
the <font> English </font> Nation , so many years I have retain'd .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,144.25)

Nevertheless because ye are strangers , and have endur'd so long a
journey , to impart us the knowledge of things , which I perswade me
you believe to be the truest and the best , ye may be sure we shall not
recompence you with any molestation , but shall provide rather how we
may friendliest entertain ye ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,144.26)

nor do we forbid whom ye can by preaching gain to your belief .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,144.27)

And accordingly thir residence he allotted them in <font> Doroverne
</font> or <font> Canturbury </font> his chief Citty ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,144.28)

and made provision for thir maintenance , with free leave to preach
their doctrine where they pleased . By which , and by the example of
thir holy life , spent in prayer , fasting , and continual labour in
the conversion of Souls , they won many ; on whose bounty and the Kings
, receiving only what was necessary , they subsisted .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,144.29)

There stood without the Citty , on the East-side , an ancient Church
built in honour of St. <font> Martin </font> , while yet the <font>
Romans </font> remain'd heer : in which <font> Bertha </font> the Queen
went out usually to pray : (MILTON-E3-H,X,144.30)

Heer they also began first to preach , baptize , and openly to exercise
<P_X,145> divine worship . (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.31)

But when the King himself convinc't by thir good life & miracles ,
became Christian , and was baptiz'd , which came to pass in the very
first year of thir arrival , then multitudes daily , conforming to thir
Prince , thought it honour to be reckon'd among those of his faith . To
whom <font> Ethelbert </font> indeed principally shewed his favour ,
but compell'd none . (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.32)

For so he had bin taught by them who were both the Instructors and the
Authors of his faith , that Christian Religion ought to be voluntary ,
not compell'd . (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.33)

About this time <font> Kelwulf </font> the Son of <font> Cutha Keaulins
</font> Brother reign'd over the <font> West-Saxons </font> , after his
Brother <font> Keola </font> or <font> Kelric </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,145.34)

and had continual War either-1 with <font> English , Welch , Picts
</font> , or <font> Scots </font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.35)

But <font> Austin </font> , whom with his fellows , <font> Ethelbert
</font> now had endow'd with a better place for thir abode in the Citty
, and other possessions necessary to livelihood , crossing into <font>
France </font> , was by the Archbishop of <font> Arles </font> , at the
appointment of Pope <font> Gregory </font> , ordain'd Archbishop of the
<font> English </font> : (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.36)

and returning , sent to <font> Rome Laurence </font> and <font> Peter
</font> , two of his associates , to acquaint the Pope of his good
success in <font> England </font> , and to be resolv'd of certain
Theological , or rather Levitical questions : with answers to which ,
not proper in this place , <font> Gregory </font> sends also to the
great work of converting , that went on so happily , a supply of
labourers , <font> Mellitus , Justus , Paulinus , Rufinian </font> ,
and many others ; who what they were , may be guess't by the stuff
which they brought with them , vessels and vestments for the Altar ,
Coaps , reliques , and for the Archbishop <font> Austin </font> a Pall
to say Mass in : (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.37)

to such a rank superstition that Age was grown , though some of them
yet <P_X,146> retaining an emulation of Apostolic zeal :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,146.38)

lastly , to <font> Ethelbert </font> they brought a letter with many
presents . (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.39)

<font> Austin </font> thus exalted to Archiepiscopal authority ,
recover'd from the ruins and other profane uses , a Christian Church in
<font> Canturbury </font> built of old by the <font> Romans </font> ;
which he dedicated by the name of Christs Church ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,146.40)

and joyning to it built a seat for himself and his successors ; a
Monastery also neer the Citty Eastward , where <font> Ethelbert </font>
at his motion built St. <font> Peters </font> , and enrich't it with
great endowments , to be a place of burial for the Archbishops and
Kings of <font> Kent </font> : (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.41)

so quickly they step't up into fellowship of pomp with Kings .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,146.42)

While thus <font> Ethelbert </font> and his people had thir minds
intent , <font> Ethelfrid </font> the <font> Northumbrian </font> King
, was not less busied in far different affairs : (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.43)

for being altogether warlike , and covetous of fame , he more wasted
the <font> Britans </font> then any <font> Saxon </font> King before
him ; winning from them large Territories , which either he made
tributary , or planted with his own Subjects . Whence <font> Edan
</font> King of those <font> Scots </font> that dwelt in <font> Britain
</font> , jealous of his successes , came against him with a mighty
Army , to a place call'd <font> Degsastan </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,146.44)

but in the fight loosing most of his men , himself with a few escap'd :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,146.45)

only <font> Theobald </font> the Kings brother , and the whole wing
which he commanded , unfortunately cut off , made the Victory to <font>
Ethelfrid </font> less intire . (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.46)

Yet from that time no King of <font> Scots </font> in hostile manner
durst pass into <font> Britain </font> for a hunderd and more years
after : (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.47)

and what some years before , <font> Kelwulf </font> the <font>
West-Saxon </font> is annal'd to have done against the <font> Scots
</font> and <font> Picts </font> , passing through the Land of <font>
Ethelfrid </font> a King so potent , unless in his aid and alliance ,
is <P_X,147> not likely . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.48)

<font> Buchanan </font> writes as if <font> Ethelfrid </font> ,
assisted by <font> Keaulin </font> whom he mistitles King of <font>
East-Saxons </font> , had before this time a battel with <font> Aidan
</font> , wherein <font> Cutha Keaulins </font> son was slain .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,147.49)

But <font> Cutha </font> , as is above written from better authority ,
was slain in fight against the <font> Welch </font> years before .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,147.50)

The number of Christians began now to increase so fast , that <font>
Augustine </font> ordaining Bishops under him , two of his assistants
<font> Mellitus </font> and <font> Justus </font> , sent them out both
to the work of thir ministry . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.51)

And <font> Mellitus </font> by preaching converted the <font>
East-Saxons </font> , over whom <font> Sebert </font> the son of <font>
Sleda </font> , by permission of <font> Ethelbert </font> , being born
of his sister <font> Ricula </font> , then reign'd . Whose conversion
<font> Ethelbert </font> to gratulate , built them the great Church of
St. <font> Paul </font> in <font> London </font> to be their Bishops
Cathedral ; as <font> Justus </font> also had his built at <font>
Rochester </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.52)

and both gifted by the same King with fair possessions .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,147.53)

Hitherto <font> Austin </font> laboured well among Infidels , but not
with like commendation soon after among Christians .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,147.54)

For by means of <font> Ethelbert </font> summoning the <font> Britan
</font> Bishops to a place on the edge of <font> Worcestershire </font>
, call'd from that time <font> Augustines </font> Oke , he requires
them to conform with him in the same day of celebrating <font> Easter
</font> , and many other points wherein they differ'd from the rites of
<font> Rome </font> : which when they refus'd to do , not prevailing by
dispute , he appeals to a miracle , restoring to sight a blind man whom
the <font> Britans </font> could not cure . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.55)

At this something mov'd , though not minded to recede from thir own
opinions without furder consultation , they request a second meeting :
to which came seven <font> Britan </font> Bishops , with many other
lerned men , especially from the famous Monastery of <font> Bangor
</font> , in <P_X,148> which were said to be so many Monks , living all
by thir own labour , that being divided under seven Rectors , none had
fewer then . (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.56)

One man there was who staid behind , a Hermit by the life he led , who
by his wisdom effected more then all the rest who went :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,148.57)

being demanded , for they held him as an Oracle , how they might know
<font> Austin </font> to be a man from God , that they might follow him
, he answer'd , that if they found him meek and humble , they should be
taught by him , for it was likeliest to be the yoke of Christ , both
what he bore himself , and would have them bear ; but if he bore
himself proudly , that they should not regard him , for he was then
certainly not of God . (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.58)

They took his advice , (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.59)

and hasted to the place of meeting . Whom <font> Austin </font> being
already there before them , neither arose to meet , nor receiv'd in any
brotherly sort , (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.60)

but sat all the while pontifically in his Chair . Whereat the <font>
Britans </font> , as they were counsel'd by the holy man , neglected
him , and neither hark'n'd to his proposals of conformity , nor would
acknowledge him for an Archbishop : (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.61)

And in name of the rest , <font> Dinothus </font> then Abbot of <font>
Bangor </font> , is said , thus sagely to have answer'd him .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,148.62)

As to the subjection which you require , be thus perswaded of us , that
in the bond of love and charity we are all Subjects and Servants to the
Church of God , yea to the Pope of <font> Rome </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,148.63)

and every good Christian to help them forward , both-1 by word and deed
, to be the Childern of God : (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.64)

other obedience then this we know not to be due to him whom you term
the Pope ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.65)

and this obedience we are ready to give both to him and to every
Christian continually . (MILTON-E3-H,X,148.66)

Besides , we are govern'd under God by the <P_X,149> Bishop of <font>
Caerleon </font> , who is to oversee us in spiritual matters . To which
<font> Austin </font> thus presaging , some say menacing , replies ,
since ye refuse to accept of peace with your brethren , ye shall have
War from your enemies ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.67)

and since ye will not with us preach the word of life , to whom ye
ought , from their hands ye shall receive death .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,149.68)

This , though Writers agree not whether <font> Austin </font> spake it
as his prophecy , or as his plot against the <font> Britans </font> ,
fell out accordingly . (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.69)

For many years were not past , when <font> Ethelfrid </font> , whether
of his own accord , or at the request of <font> Ethelbert </font>
incens't by <font> Austin </font> , with a powerful host came to <font>
Westchester </font> , then <font> Caer-legion </font> . Where being met
by the <font> British </font> Forces , and both sides in readiness to
give the onset , he discernes a company of men , not habited for War ,
standing together in a place of some safety ; and by them a Squadron
arm'd . Whom having lernt upon some enquiry to be Priests and Monks ,
assembl'd thither after three days fasting , to pray for the good
success of thir Forces against him , therefore they first , saith he ,
shall feel our Swords ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.70)

for they who pray against us , fight heaviest against us by thir
prayers , (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.71)

and are our dangerousest enemies . (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.72)

And with that turns his first charge upon the Monks :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,149.73)

<font> Brocmail </font> the Captain set to guard them , quickly turns
his back , (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.74)

and leaves above Monks to a sudden massacher , whereof scarse fifty
scap'd , (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.75)

but not so easie work found <font> Ethelfrid </font> against another
part of <font> Britans </font> that stood in arms , whom though at last
he overthrew , yet with slaughter nigh as great to his own souldiers .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,149.76)

To excuse <font> Austin </font> of this bloodshed , lest some might
think it his revengeful policy , <font> Beda </font> writes that he was
dead long before , <P_X,150> although if the time of his sitting
Archbishop be right computed sixteen years , he must survive this
action . (MILTON-E3-H,X,150.77)

Other just ground of charging him with this imputation appears not ,
save what evidently we have from <font> Geffry Monmouth </font> , whose
weight we know . (MILTON-E3-H,X,150.78)

<P_X,270>

<heading>

EDMUND IRONSIDE . (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.81)

</heading>

After the decease of <font> Ethelred </font> , they of the Nobility who
were then at <font> London </font> together with the Citizens , chose
<font> Edmund </font> his Son <paren> not by <font> Emma </font> , but
a former Wife the Daughter of Earl <font> Thored </font> </paren> in
his Fathers room ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.83)

but the Archbishops , Abbots , and many of the Nobles assembling
together elected <font> Canute </font> ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.84)

and coming to <font> Southamton </font> where he then remain'd ,
renounc'd before him all the race of <font> Ethelred </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,270.85)

and swore him fidelity : (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.86)

he also swore to them , in matters both religious and secular , to be
thir faithfull Lord . (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.87)

But <font> Edmund </font> with all speed going to the <font>
West-Saxons </font> , was joyfully receav'd of them as thir King , and
of many other Provinces by their example . (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.88)

Mean while <font> Canute </font> about mid <font> May </font> came with
his <P_X,271> whole Fleet up the River to <font> London </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,271.89)

then causing a great Dike to be made on <font> Surrey </font> side ,
turn'd the stream (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.90)

and drew his Ships thether West of the Bridge ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.91)

then begirting the City with a broad and deep trench , assail'd it on
every side ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.92)

but repulst as before by the valorous Defendants , and in despair of
success at that time , leaving part of his Army for the defence of his
Ships , with the rest sped him to the <font> West-Saxons </font> , ere
<font> Edmund </font> could have time to assemble all his powers : who
yet with such as were at hand invoking divine aid , encounterd the
<font> Danes </font> at <font> Pen </font> by <font> Gillingham </font>
in <font> Dorsetshire </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.93)

and put him to flight . (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.94)

After mid-summer , encreast with new Forces , he met with him again at
a place call'd <font> Sherastan </font> , now <font> Sharstan </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,271.95)

but <font> Edric , Almar </font> , and <font> Algar </font> , with the
<font> Hamshire </font> and <font> Wiltshire </font> men , then sideing
with the <font> Danes </font> , he only maintain'd the fight ,
obstinatly fought on both sides , till night and weariness parted them
. (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.96)

Day light returning renu'd the conflict ; wherein the <font> Danes
</font> appearing inferiour , <font> Edric </font> to dishart'n the
English cuts off the Head of one <font> Osmer </font> , in countnance
and hair somewhat resembling the King , (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.97)

and holding it up , cries aloud to the English , that <font> Edmund
</font> being slain and this his head , it was time for them to flie ;
which falacy <font> Edmund </font> perceaving , and op'nly shewing
himself to his Souldiers , by a spear thrown at <font> Edric </font> ,
that missing him yet slew one next him , and through him another
behinde , they recoverd heart , (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.98)

and lay sore upon the <font> Danes </font> till night parted them as
before : (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.99)

for ere the third morn , <font> Canute </font> sensible of his loss ,
march'd away by stealth to his Ships at <font> London </font> , renuing
there his leagre . (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.100)

Some would have this Battell at <font> Sherastan </font> the same with
that at <font> Scorastan </font> <P_X,272> before mention'd ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.101)

but the circumstance of time permits not that , having bin before the
landing of <font> Canute </font> , this a good while after , as by the
Process of things appears : (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.102)

from <font> Sherastan </font> or <font> Sharstan , Edmund </font>
return'd to the <font> West-Saxons </font> , whose valour <font> Edric
</font> fearing , least it might prevail against the <font> Danes
</font> , sought pardon of his revolt , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.103)

and obtaining it swore loyalty to the King , who now the third time
coming with an Army from the <font> West-Saxons </font> to <font>
London </font> , rais'd the Seige , chaseing <font> Canute </font> and
his <font> Danes </font> to thir Ships . (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.104)

Then after two daies passing the <font> Thames </font> at <font>
Branford </font> , and so coming on thir backs , kept them so turn'd ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.105)

and obtain'd the Victory : (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.106)

then returns again to his <font> West Saxons </font> , and <font>
Canute </font> to his Seige , but still in vain ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.107)

riseing therfore thence , he enterd with his Ships a River then call'd
<font> Arenne </font> ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.108)

and from the Banks therof $wasted {TEXT:wafted} <font> Mercia </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.109)

thence thir Horse by land , thir Foot by Ship came to <font> Medway
</font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.110)

<font> Edmund </font> in the mean while with multipli'd Forces out of
many Shires , crossing again at <font> Branford </font> , came into
<font> Kent </font> , seeking <font> Canute </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.111)

encounterd him at <font> Otford </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.112)

and so defeated , that of his Horse , they who escap'd fled to the Ile
of <font> Sheppey </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.113)

and a full Victory he had gain'd , had not <font> Edric </font> still
the Traytor by some wile or other detain'd his persuit :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.114)

and <font> Edmund </font> who never wanted courage , heer wanted
prudence to be so misled , ever after forsak'n of his wonted Fortune .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.115)

<font> Canute </font> crossing with his Army into <font> Essex </font>
, thence wasted <font> Mercia </font> worse then before ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.116)

and with heavy prey return'd to his Ships : (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.117)

them <font> Edmund </font> with a collected Army persueing , overtook
at a place call'd <font> Assandune </font> , or <font> Asseshill
</font> , now <font> Ashdown </font> in <font> Essex </font> ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.118)

the Battel on either side was fought with great vehemence ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,272.119)

but <P_X,273> perfidious <font> Edric </font> perceaving the Victory to
incline towards <font> Edmund </font> , with that part of the Army
which was under him , fled , as he had promis'd <font> Canute </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,273.120)

and left the King over-match't with numbers : by which desertion the
English were over-thrown , Duke <font> Alfric </font> , Duke <font>
Godwin </font> , and <font> Ulfketel </font> the valiant Duke of <font>
East-Angles </font> , with a great part of the Nobility slain , so as
the English of a long time had not receav'd a greater blow .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,273.121)

Yet after a while <font> Edmund </font> not absurdly call'd <font>
Ironside </font> , preparing to try again his Fortune in another feild
, was hinderd by <font> Edric </font> and others of his faction ,
adviseing him to make peace and divide the Kingdome with <font> Canute
</font> . To which <font> Edmund </font> over-rul'd , a treaty
appointed , and pledges mutually giv'n , both Kings met together at a
place call'd <font> Deorhirst </font> in <font> Glostershire ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,273.122)

Edmund </font> on the West side of <font> Severn , Canute </font> on
the East with thir Armies , then both in person wafted into an Iland ,
at that time call'd <font> Olanege </font> , now <font> Alney </font>
in the midst of the River ; swearing amity and brotherhood , they
parted the Kingdome between them . (MILTON-E3-H,X,273.123)

Then interchanging Armes and the habit they wore , assessing also what
pay should be allotted to the Navy ; they departed each his way .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,273.124)

Concerning this interveiw and the cause therof , others write otherwise
; <font> Malmsbury </font> , that <font> Edmund </font> greiving at the
loss of so much blood spilt for the ambition only-3 of two men
striveing who should reign , of his own accord sent to <font> Canute
</font> , offering him single Combate , to prevent in thir own cause
the effusion of more blood then thir own ; that <font> Canute </font>
though of courage anough , yet not unwisely doubting to adventure his
body of small Timber , against a man of Iron sides , refus'd the
Combate , offring to <P_X,274> divide the Kingdome ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,274.125)

this offer pleasing both Armies , <font> Edmund </font> was not
difficult to consent ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.126)

and the decision was , that he as his hereditary Kingdome should rule
the <font> West-Saxons </font> , and all the <font> South , Canute
</font> the <font> Mercians </font> , and the <font> North </font> .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,274.127)

<font> Huntingdon </font> follow'd by <font> Mat. West. </font> relates
, that the Peers on every side wearied out with continuall warfare ,
and not refraining to affirm op'nly , that they two who expected to
reign singly , had most reason to fight singly , the Kings were content
; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.128)

the Iland was thir lists , the Combate Knightly ; till <font> Knute
</font> finding himself too weak , began to parle , which ended as is
said before . After which the <font> Londoners </font> bought thir
peace of the <font> Danes </font> , and permitted them to winter in the
City . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.129)

But King <font> Edmund </font> about the Feast of St. <font> Andrew
</font> , unexpectedly deceas'd at <font> London </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,274.130)

and was buried neer <font> Edgar </font> his Grandfather at <font>
Glaston </font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.131)

The cause of his so sudden death is uncertain ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.132)

common fame , saith <font> Malmsbury </font> , laies the guilt therof
upon <font> Edric </font> , who to please <font> Canute </font> ,
allur'd with promise of reward two of the Kings Privy Chamber , though
at first abhorring the fact , to assassinate him at the stool , by
thrusting a sharp Iron into his hinder parts . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.133)

<font> Huntingdon </font> , and <font> Mat. West. </font> relate it
done at <font> Oxford </font> by the Son of <font> Edric </font> ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,274.134)

and something vary in the manner , not worth recital .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,274.135)

<font> Edmund </font> dead , <font> Canute </font> meaning to reign
sole King of <font> England </font> , calls to him all the Dukes ,
Barons , and Bishops of the Land , cunningly demanding of them who were
witnesses what agreement was made between him and <font> Edmund </font>
dividing the Kingdome , whether the Sons and Brothers of <font> Edmund
</font> were to govern the <font> West-Saxons </font> after him ,
<font> Canute </font> living ? (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.136)

they who understood his <P_X,275> meaning , and fear'd to undergo his
anger , timorously answerd , that <font> Edmund </font> they knew had
left no part therof to his Sons or Brethren , living or dying ; but
that he intended <font> Canute </font> should be thir Guardian , till
they came to age of reigning . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.137)

<font> Simeon </font> affirms , that for fear or hope of reward they
attested what was not true : notwithstanding which he put many of them
to death not long after . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.138)

<heading>

CANUTE , OR KNUTE . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.140)

</heading>

Canute having thus sounded the Nobility , and by them understood ,
receav'd thir Oath of fealty , they the pledge of his bare hand , and
Oath from the <font> Danish </font> Nobles ; whereupon the House of
<font> Edmund </font> was renounc't , and <font> Canute </font> Crown'd
. (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.142)

Then they enacted , that <font> Edwi </font> Brother of <font> Edmund
</font> , a Prince of great hope , should be banish't the Realm .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,275.143)

But <font> Canute </font> not thinking himself secure while <font> Edwi
</font> liv'd , consulted with <font> Edric </font> how to make him
away ; who told him of one <font> Ethelward </font> a decay'd Nobleman
, likeliest to do the work . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.144)

<font> Ethelward </font> sent for , and tempted by the King in privat ,
with largest rewards , but abhorring in his mind the deed , promisd to
do it when he saw his opportunity ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.145)

and so still deferr'd it . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.146)

But <font> Edwi </font> afterwards receav'd into favour as a snare ,
was by him or some other of his false freinds , <font> Canute </font>
contriving it , the same year slain . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.147)

<font> Edric </font> also counsel'd him to dispatch <font> Edward
</font> and <font> Edmund </font> , the Sons of <font> Ironside </font>
; (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.148)

but the King doubting that the fact would seem too foul done in <font>
England </font> , sent them to the King of <font> Sweden </font> , with
like intent ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.149)

but he disdaining the Office , sent them for better safety to <font>
Solomon </font> King of <font> Hungary </font> ; where <font> Edmund
</font> at length dy'd , <P_X,276> but <font> Edward </font> married
<font> Agatha </font> Daughter to <font> Henry </font> the <font>
German </font> Emperour . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.150)

A digression in the Laws of <font> Edward </font> Confessor under the
Title of Lex Noricorum saith , that this <font> Edward </font> for fear
of <font> Canute </font> , fled of his own accord to <font> Malesclot
</font> King of the <font> Rugians </font> , who receav'd him
honourably , and of that Country gave him a Wife .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.151)

<font> Canute </font> settl'd in his Throne , divided the Government of
his Kingdom into fowr parts ; the <font> West-Saxons </font> to himself
, the <font> East-Angles </font> to Earl <font> Turkill </font> , the
<font> Mercians </font> to <font> Edric </font> , the <font>
Northumbrians </font> to <font> Eric </font> ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.152)

then made peace with all Princes round about him ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.153)

and his former Wife being dead , in <font> July </font> married <font>
Emma </font> the Widow of King <font> Ethelred </font> .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.154)

The <font> Christmas </font> following was an ill Feast to <font> Edric
</font> , of whose Treason , the King having now made use as much as
serv'd his turn , and fearing himself to be the next betray'd , caus'd
him to be slain at <font> London </font> in the Palace , thrown over
the City Wall , and there to lie unburied ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.155)

the head of <font> Edric </font> fixt on a pole , he commanded to be
set on the highest Tower of <font> London </font> , as in a double
sence he had promis'd him , for the murder of King <font> Edmund
</font> to exalt him above all the Peers of <font> England </font> .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.156)

<font> Huntingdon , Malmsbury </font> , and <font> Mat. West. </font>
write , that suspecting the Kings intention to degrade him from his
<font> Mercian </font> Dukedome , and upbraiding him with his merits ,
the King enrag'd , caus'd him to be strangl'd in the room , and out at
a Window thrown into the <font> Thames </font> .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.157)

Another writes , that <font> Eric </font> at the Kings command struck
off his head . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.158)

Other great men though without fault , as Duke <font> Norman </font>
the Son of <font> Leofwin , Ethelward </font> Son of Duke <font>
Agelmar </font> , he put to death at the same time , jealous of thir
power of familiarity with <font> Edric </font> :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,276.159)

and <P_X,277> notwithstanding peace , kept still his Army ; to maintain
which , the next year he squees'd out of the English , though now his
subjects , not his Enemies , 72 , some say , 82 thousand pound ,
besides 15 thousand out of <font> London </font> .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,277.160)

Mean while great War arose at <font> Carr </font> , between <font>
Uthred </font> Son of <font> Waldef </font> , Earl of <font>
Northumberland </font> , and <font> Malcolm </font> Son of <font> Kened
</font> King of <font> Scots </font> , with whom held <font> Eugenius
</font> King of <font> Lothian </font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.161)

But heer <font> Simeon </font> the relater seems to have committed some
mistake , having slain <font> Uthred </font> by <font> Canute </font>
two years before , and set <font> Eric </font> in his place :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,277.162)

<font> Eric </font> therfore it must needs be , not <font> Uthred
</font> , who manag'd this War against the <font> Scots </font> . About
which time in a Convention of <font> Danes </font> at <font> Oxford
</font> , it was agreed on both parties to keep the Laws of <font>
Edgar ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.163)

Mat. West. </font> saith , of <font> Edward </font> the Elder .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,277.164)

The next year <font> Canute </font> sail'd into <font> Denmarke </font>
, (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.165)

and there abode all Winter . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.166)

<font> Huntingdon </font> and <font> Mat. West. </font> say , he went
thether to repress the <font> Swedes </font> , and that the night
before a Battel to be fought with them . <font> Godwin </font> stealing
out of the Camp with his English , assaulted the <font> Swedes </font>
, and had got the victory ere <font> Canute </font> in the morning knew
of any fight . For which bold enterprise , though against Discipline ,
he had the English in more esteem ever after . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.167)

In the Spring at his return into <font> England </font> , he held in
the time of <font> Easter </font> a great assembly at <font>
Chirchester </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.168)

and the same year was with <font> Turkill </font> the <font> Dane
</font> at the dedication of a Church by them built at <font> Assendune
</font> , in the place of that great Victory which won him the Crown .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,277.169)

But suspecting his greatness , the year following banish'd him the
Realm , (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.170)

and found occasion to do the like by <font> Eric </font> the <font>
Northumbrian </font> Earl upon the same jealousie .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,277.171)

Nor yet content <P_X,278> with his Conquest of <font> England </font> ,
though now above ten years enjoy'd , he pass'd with Ships into <font>
Norway </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.172)

dispossess'd <font> Olave </font> thir King , (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.173)

and subdu'd the land , first with great summes of money sent the year
before to gain him a party , then coming with an Army to compell the
rest . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.174)

Thence returning King of <font> England , Denmarke </font> , and <font>
Norway </font> , yet not secure in his mind , under colour of an
Embassey he sent into banishment <font> Hacun </font> a powerfull
<font> Dane </font> , who had married the Daughter of his Sister <font>
Gunildis </font> , having conceav'd some suspition of his practices
against him : (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.175)

but such course was tak'n , that he never came back ; either perishing
at Sea , or slain by contrivance the next year in <font> Orkney </font>
. (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.176)

<font> Canute </font> therefore having thus establish't himself by
bloodshed and oppression , to wash away , as he thought , the guilt
therof , sailing again into <font> Denmark </font> , went thence to
<font> Rome </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.177)

and offerd there to St. <font> Peter </font> great guifts of Gold and
Silver , and other pretious things ; besides the usuall tribute of
<font> Romscot </font> , giving great Alms by the way , both thether
and back again , freeing many places of Custom and Toll with great
expence , where strangers were wont to pay , having vow'd great
amendment of life at the Sepulchre of <font> Peter </font> and <font>
Paul </font> , and to his whole people in a large letter writt'n from
<font> Rome </font> yet extant . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.178)

At his return therfore he built and dedicated a Church to St. <font>
Edmund </font> at <font> Bury </font> , whom his Ancestors had slain ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,278.179)

threw out the secular Preists who had intruded there ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,278.180)

and plac'd Monks in thir stead ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.181)

then going into <font> Scotland </font> , subdu'd and receav'd homage
of <font> Malcolm </font> , and two other Kings there , <font> Melbeath
</font> , and <font> Jermare </font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.182)

Three years after having made <font> Swane </font> his suppos'd Son by
<font> Algiva </font> of <P_X,279> <font> Northamton </font> , Duke
<font> Alfhelms </font> Daughter <paren> for others say the Son of a
Preist whom <font> Algiva </font> barren had got ready at the time of
her feign'd labour </paren> King of <font> Norway </font> , and <font>
Hardecnute </font> his Son by <font> Emma </font> King of <font>
Denmark </font> , and design'd <font> Harold </font> his Son by <font>
Algiva </font> of <font> Northamton </font> King of <font> England
</font> , dy'd at <font> Shaftsbury </font> , (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.183)

and was buried at <font> Winchester </font> in the old Monastery .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,279.184)

This King , as appears , ended better then he began ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,279.185)

for though he seems to have had no hand in the Death of <font> Ironside
</font> , but detested the fact , and bringing the murderers , who came
to him in hope of great reward , forth among his Courtiers , as it were
to receave thanks , after they had op'nly related the manner of thir
killing him , deliver'd them to deserved punishment , yet he spar'd
<font> Edric </font> whom he knew to be the prime Authour of that
detestable fact ; till willing to be rid of him , grown importune upon
the confidence of his merits , and upbraided by him that he had first
relinquisht , then extinguisht <font> Edmund </font> for his sake ;
angry to be so upbraided , therfore said he with a chang'd countnance ,
Traytor to God and to me , thou shalt die ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.186)

thine own mouth accuses thee to have slain thy Master my confederate
Brother , and the Lords Anointed . Whereupon although present and
privat Execution was in rage done upon <font> Edric </font> , yet he
himself in cool blood scrupl'd not to make away the Brother and
Childern of <font> Edmund </font> , who had better right to be the
Lords Anointed heer then himself . (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.187)

When he had obtain'd in <font> England </font> what he desir'd , no
wonder if he sought the love of his conquerd Subjects for the love of
his own quiet , the maintainers of his wealth and state , for his own
profit . (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.188)

For the like reason he is thought to have married <P_X,280> <font> Emma
</font> , and that <font> Richard </font> Duke of <font> Normandy
</font> her Brother might the less care what became of <font> Elfred
</font> and <font> Edward </font> , her Sons by King <font> Ethelred
</font> . (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.189)

He commanded to be observ'd the antient <font> Saxon </font> Laws ,
call'd afterwards the Laws of <font> Edward </font> the Confessor , not
that hee made them , but strictly observ'd them .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,280.190)

His Letter from <font> Rome </font> professes , if he had done aught
amiss in his youth , through negligence or want of due temper , full
resolution with the help of God to make amends , by governing justly
and piously for the future ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.191)

charges and adjures all his Officers and Vicounts , that neither-1 for
fear of him , or favour of any person , or to enrich the King , they
suffer injustice to be done in the land ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.192)

commands his treasurers to pay all his Debts ere his return home ,
which was by <font> Denmarke </font> , to compose matters there ;
(MILTON-E3-H,X,280.193)

and what his Letter profess'd , he perform'd all his life after .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,280.194)

But it is a fond conceit in many great ones , and pernicious in the end
, to cease from no violence till they have attain'd the utmost of thir
ambitions and desires ; then to think God appeas'd by thir seeking to
bribe him with a share however large of thir ill-gott'n spoils , and
then lastly to grow zealous of doing right , when they have no longer
need to do wrong . (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.195)

Howbeit <font> Canute </font> was famous through <font> Europe </font>
, and much honour'd of <font> Conrade </font> the Emperour , then at
<font> Rome </font> , with rich guifts and many grants of what he there
demanded for the freeing of passages from Toll and Custome .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,280.196)

I must not omit one remarkable action done by him , as <font>
Huntingdon </font> reports it , with great Scene of circumstance , and
emphatical expression , to shew the small power of Kings in respect of
God ; which , unless to Court-Parasites , needed no <P_X,281> such
laborious demonstration . (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.197)

He caus'd his Royal Seat to be set on the shoar , while the Tide was
coming in ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.198)

and with all the state that Royalty could put into his countnance ,
said thus to the Sea : Thou Sea belongst to me ,
(MILTON-E3-H,X,281.199)

and the Land wheron I sit is mine ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.200)

nor hath any one unpunish't resisted my commands :
(MILTON-E3-H,X,281.201)

I charge thee come no furder upon my Land , (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.202)

neither presume to wet the Feet of thy Sovran Lord .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,281.203)

But the Sea , as before , came rowling on , (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.204)

and without reverence both wet and dash'd him . Whereat the King
quickly riseing , wish'd all about him to behold and consider the weak
and frivolous power of a King , and that none indeed deserv'd the name
of a King , but he whose Eternal Laws both Heav'n , Earth , and Sea
obey . (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.205)

A truth so evident of it self , as I said before , that unless to shame
his Court Flatterers who would not else be convinc't , <font> Canute
</font> needed not to have gone wet-shod home : (MILTON-E3-H,X,281.206)

The best is , from that time forth he never would wear a Crown ,
esteeming Earthly Royalty contemptible and vain .
(MILTON-E3-H,X,281.207)

