THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN . (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.3) THE FOURTH BOOK (MILTON-E3-H,X,141.4) The Saxons 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 Britans , 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 , Ethelbert of Kent , 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 Kent and Humber , to be at his devotion . To which design the Kingdom of West-Saxons , being the firmest of them all , at that time sore shak'n by thir overthrow at Wodens-beorth , and the Death of Keaulin , 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 Bertha 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 Letardus 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) Beda out of Gildas laies it sadly to the Britans charge , that they never would voutsafe thir Saxon 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 as a report went , accounted old in Bedas time upon this occasion . (MILTON-E3-H,X,142.13) The Northumbrians 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 Rome , whose fair and honest countnances invited Gregory 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 Angli of the Province Deira , subjects to Alla King of Northumberland , and by Religion Pagans . Which last Gregory deploring , fram'd on a sudden this allusion to the three names he heard ; that the Angli 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 Benedict the Pope , had come and preach't heer among them , had not the Roman 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 Beda , by divine instinct , he sent Augustine whom he had design'd for Bishop of the English 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 Austin , in the name of all , to beseech Gregory 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) Gregory 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 Austin , for so he was ordain'd over the rest , reincourag'd by the exhortations of Gregory , and his fellows by the Letter which he brought them , came safe to the Ile of Tanet , in number about , besides some of the French Nation whom they took along as Interpreters . (MILTON-E3-H,X,143.20) Ethelbert the King , to whom Austin at his landing had sent a new and wondrous message , that he came from Rome to proffer Heav'n and eternal happiness in the knowledge of another God then the Saxons 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 image of our Saviour , came slowly forward singing thir solemn Litanies : which wrought in Ethelbert 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 English 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 Doroverne or Canturbury 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. Martin , while yet the Romans remain'd heer : in which Bertha 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 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 Ethelbert 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 Kelwulf the Son of Cutha Keaulins Brother reign'd over the West-Saxons , after his Brother Keola or Kelric , (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.34) and had continual War either-1 with English , Welch , Picts , or Scots . (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.35) But Austin , whom with his fellows , Ethelbert now had endow'd with a better place for thir abode in the Citty , and other possessions necessary to livelihood , crossing into France , was by the Archbishop of Arles , at the appointment of Pope Gregory , ordain'd Archbishop of the English : (MILTON-E3-H,X,145.36) and returning , sent to Rome Laurence and Peter , two of his associates , to acquaint the Pope of his good success in England , and to be resolv'd of certain Theological , or rather Levitical questions : with answers to which , not proper in this place , Gregory sends also to the great work of converting , that went on so happily , a supply of labourers , Mellitus , Justus , Paulinus , Rufinian , 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 Austin 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 retaining an emulation of Apostolic zeal : (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.38) lastly , to Ethelbert they brought a letter with many presents . (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.39) Austin thus exalted to Archiepiscopal authority , recover'd from the ruins and other profane uses , a Christian Church in Canturbury built of old by the Romans ; 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 Ethelbert at his motion built St. Peters , and enrich't it with great endowments , to be a place of burial for the Archbishops and Kings of Kent : (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 Ethelbert and his people had thir minds intent , Ethelfrid the Northumbrian 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 Britans then any Saxon King before him ; winning from them large Territories , which either he made tributary , or planted with his own Subjects . Whence Edan King of those Scots that dwelt in Britain , jealous of his successes , came against him with a mighty Army , to a place call'd Degsastan ; (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 Theobald the Kings brother , and the whole wing which he commanded , unfortunately cut off , made the Victory to Ethelfrid less intire . (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.46) Yet from that time no King of Scots in hostile manner durst pass into Britain for a hunderd and more years after : (MILTON-E3-H,X,146.47) and what some years before , Kelwulf the West-Saxon is annal'd to have done against the Scots and Picts , passing through the Land of Ethelfrid a King so potent , unless in his aid and alliance , is not likely . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.48) Buchanan writes as if Ethelfrid , assisted by Keaulin whom he mistitles King of East-Saxons , had before this time a battel with Aidan , wherein Cutha Keaulins son was slain . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.49) But Cutha , as is above written from better authority , was slain in fight against the Welch years before . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.50) The number of Christians began now to increase so fast , that Augustine ordaining Bishops under him , two of his assistants Mellitus and Justus , sent them out both to the work of thir ministry . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.51) And Mellitus by preaching converted the East-Saxons , over whom Sebert the son of Sleda , by permission of Ethelbert , being born of his sister Ricula , then reign'd . Whose conversion Ethelbert to gratulate , built them the great Church of St. Paul in London to be their Bishops Cathedral ; as Justus also had his built at Rochester , (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.52) and both gifted by the same King with fair possessions . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.53) Hitherto Austin laboured well among Infidels , but not with like commendation soon after among Christians . (MILTON-E3-H,X,147.54) For by means of Ethelbert summoning the Britan Bishops to a place on the edge of Worcestershire , call'd from that time Augustines Oke , he requires them to conform with him in the same day of celebrating Easter , and many other points wherein they differ'd from the rites of Rome : which when they refus'd to do , not prevailing by dispute , he appeals to a miracle , restoring to sight a blind man whom the Britans 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 Britan Bishops , with many other lerned men , especially from the famous Monastery of Bangor , in 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Britans , 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 , Dinothus then Abbot of Bangor , 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 Rome , (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 Bishop of Caerleon , who is to oversee us in spiritual matters . To which Austin 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 Austin spake it as his prophecy , or as his plot against the Britans , fell out accordingly . (MILTON-E3-H,X,149.69) For many years were not past , when Ethelfrid , whether of his own accord , or at the request of Ethelbert incens't by Austin , with a powerful host came to Westchester , then Caer-legion . Where being met by the British 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) Brocmail 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 Ethelfrid against another part of Britans 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 Austin of this bloodshed , lest some might think it his revengeful policy , Beda writes that he was dead long before , 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 Geffry Monmouth , whose weight we know . (MILTON-E3-H,X,150.78) EDMUND IRONSIDE . (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.81) After the decease of Ethelred , they of the Nobility who were then at London together with the Citizens , chose Edmund his Son not by Emma , but a former Wife the Daughter of Earl Thored in his Fathers room ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.83) but the Archbishops , Abbots , and many of the Nobles assembling together elected Canute ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,270.84) and coming to Southamton where he then remain'd , renounc'd before him all the race of Ethelred , (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 Edmund with all speed going to the West-Saxons , 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 Canute about mid May came with his whole Fleet up the River to London ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.89) then causing a great Dike to be made on Surrey 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 West-Saxons , ere Edmund could have time to assemble all his powers : who yet with such as were at hand invoking divine aid , encounterd the Danes at Pen by Gillingham in Dorsetshire , (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 Sherastan , now Sharstan ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.95) but Edric , Almar , and Algar , with the Hamshire and Wiltshire men , then sideing with the Danes , 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 Danes appearing inferiour , Edric to dishart'n the English cuts off the Head of one Osmer , in countnance and hair somewhat resembling the King , (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.97) and holding it up , cries aloud to the English , that Edmund being slain and this his head , it was time for them to flie ; which falacy Edmund perceaving , and op'nly shewing himself to his Souldiers , by a spear thrown at Edric , 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 Danes till night parted them as before : (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.99) for ere the third morn , Canute sensible of his loss , march'd away by stealth to his Ships at London , renuing there his leagre . (MILTON-E3-H,X,271.100) Some would have this Battell at Sherastan the same with that at Scorastan before mention'd , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.101) but the circumstance of time permits not that , having bin before the landing of Canute , this a good while after , as by the Process of things appears : (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.102) from Sherastan or Sharstan , Edmund return'd to the West-Saxons , whose valour Edric fearing , least it might prevail against the Danes , 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 West-Saxons to London , rais'd the Seige , chaseing Canute and his Danes to thir Ships . (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.104) Then after two daies passing the Thames at Branford , 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 West Saxons , and Canute 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 Arenne ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.108) and from the Banks therof $wasted {TEXT:wafted} Mercia ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.109) thence thir Horse by land , thir Foot by Ship came to Medway . (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.110) Edmund in the mean while with multipli'd Forces out of many Shires , crossing again at Branford , came into Kent , seeking Canute ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.111) encounterd him at Otford , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.112) and so defeated , that of his Horse , they who escap'd fled to the Ile of Sheppey , (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.113) and a full Victory he had gain'd , had not Edric still the Traytor by some wile or other detain'd his persuit : (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.114) and Edmund 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) Canute crossing with his Army into Essex , thence wasted Mercia 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 Edmund with a collected Army persueing , overtook at a place call'd Assandune , or Asseshill , now Ashdown in Essex ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.118) the Battel on either side was fought with great vehemence ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,272.119) but perfidious Edric perceaving the Victory to incline towards Edmund , with that part of the Army which was under him , fled , as he had promis'd Canute , (MILTON-E3-H,X,273.120) and left the King over-match't with numbers : by which desertion the English were over-thrown , Duke Alfric , Duke Godwin , and Ulfketel the valiant Duke of East-Angles , 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 Edmund not absurdly call'd Ironside , preparing to try again his Fortune in another feild , was hinderd by Edric and others of his faction , adviseing him to make peace and divide the Kingdome with Canute . To which Edmund over-rul'd , a treaty appointed , and pledges mutually giv'n , both Kings met together at a place call'd Deorhirst in Glostershire ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,273.122) Edmund on the West side of Severn , Canute on the East with thir Armies , then both in person wafted into an Iland , at that time call'd Olanege , now Alney 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 ; Malmsbury , that Edmund 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 Canute , offering him single Combate , to prevent in thir own cause the effusion of more blood then thir own ; that Canute 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 divide the Kingdome ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.125) this offer pleasing both Armies , Edmund was not difficult to consent ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.126) and the decision was , that he as his hereditary Kingdome should rule the West-Saxons , and all the South , Canute the Mercians , and the North . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.127) Huntingdon follow'd by Mat. West. 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 Knute finding himself too weak , began to parle , which ended as is said before . After which the Londoners bought thir peace of the Danes , and permitted them to winter in the City . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.129) But King Edmund about the Feast of St. Andrew , unexpectedly deceas'd at London , (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.130) and was buried neer Edgar his Grandfather at Glaston . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.131) The cause of his so sudden death is uncertain ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.132) common fame , saith Malmsbury , laies the guilt therof upon Edric , who to please Canute , 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) Huntingdon , and Mat. West. relate it done at Oxford by the Son of Edric , (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.134) and something vary in the manner , not worth recital . (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.135) Edmund dead , Canute meaning to reign sole King of England , 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 Edmund dividing the Kingdome , whether the Sons and Brothers of Edmund were to govern the West-Saxons after him , Canute living ? (MILTON-E3-H,X,274.136) they who understood his meaning , and fear'd to undergo his anger , timorously answerd , that Edmund they knew had left no part therof to his Sons or Brethren , living or dying ; but that he intended Canute should be thir Guardian , till they came to age of reigning . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.137) Simeon 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) CANUTE , OR KNUTE . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.140) 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 Danish Nobles ; whereupon the House of Edmund was renounc't , and Canute Crown'd . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.142) Then they enacted , that Edwi Brother of Edmund , a Prince of great hope , should be banish't the Realm . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.143) But Canute not thinking himself secure while Edwi liv'd , consulted with Edric how to make him away ; who told him of one Ethelward a decay'd Nobleman , likeliest to do the work . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.144) Ethelward 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 Edwi afterwards receav'd into favour as a snare , was by him or some other of his false freinds , Canute contriving it , the same year slain . (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.147) Edric also counsel'd him to dispatch Edward and Edmund , the Sons of Ironside ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.148) but the King doubting that the fact would seem too foul done in England , sent them to the King of Sweden , with like intent ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,275.149) but he disdaining the Office , sent them for better safety to Solomon King of Hungary ; where Edmund at length dy'd , but Edward married Agatha Daughter to Henry the German Emperour . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.150) A digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor under the Title of Lex Noricorum saith , that this Edward for fear of Canute , fled of his own accord to Malesclot King of the Rugians , who receav'd him honourably , and of that Country gave him a Wife . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.151) Canute settl'd in his Throne , divided the Government of his Kingdom into fowr parts ; the West-Saxons to himself , the East-Angles to Earl Turkill , the Mercians to Edric , the Northumbrians to Eric ; (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 July married Emma the Widow of King Ethelred . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.154) The Christmas following was an ill Feast to Edric , 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 London in the Palace , thrown over the City Wall , and there to lie unburied ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.155) the head of Edric fixt on a pole , he commanded to be set on the highest Tower of London , as in a double sence he had promis'd him , for the murder of King Edmund to exalt him above all the Peers of England . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.156) Huntingdon , Malmsbury , and Mat. West. write , that suspecting the Kings intention to degrade him from his Mercian 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 Thames . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.157) Another writes , that Eric at the Kings command struck off his head . (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.158) Other great men though without fault , as Duke Norman the Son of Leofwin , Ethelward Son of Duke Agelmar , he put to death at the same time , jealous of thir power of familiarity with Edric : (MILTON-E3-H,X,276.159) and 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 London . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.160) Mean while great War arose at Carr , between Uthred Son of Waldef , Earl of Northumberland , and Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots , with whom held Eugenius King of Lothian . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.161) But heer Simeon the relater seems to have committed some mistake , having slain Uthred by Canute two years before , and set Eric in his place : (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.162) Eric therfore it must needs be , not Uthred , who manag'd this War against the Scots . About which time in a Convention of Danes at Oxford , it was agreed on both parties to keep the Laws of Edgar ; (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.163) Mat. West. saith , of Edward the Elder . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.164) The next year Canute sail'd into Denmarke , (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.165) and there abode all Winter . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.166) Huntingdon and Mat. West. say , he went thether to repress the Swedes , and that the night before a Battel to be fought with them . Godwin stealing out of the Camp with his English , assaulted the Swedes , and had got the victory ere Canute 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 England , he held in the time of Easter a great assembly at Chirchester , (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.168) and the same year was with Turkill the Dane at the dedication of a Church by them built at Assendune , 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 Eric the Northumbrian Earl upon the same jealousie . (MILTON-E3-H,X,277.171) Nor yet content with his Conquest of England , though now above ten years enjoy'd , he pass'd with Ships into Norway , (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.172) dispossess'd Olave 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 England , Denmarke , and Norway , yet not secure in his mind , under colour of an Embassey he sent into banishment Hacun a powerfull Dane , who had married the Daughter of his Sister Gunildis , 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 Orkney . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.176) Canute therefore having thus establish't himself by bloodshed and oppression , to wash away , as he thought , the guilt therof , sailing again into Denmark , went thence to Rome , (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.177) and offerd there to St. Peter great guifts of Gold and Silver , and other pretious things ; besides the usuall tribute of Romscot , 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 Peter and Paul , and to his whole people in a large letter writt'n from Rome yet extant . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.178) At his return therfore he built and dedicated a Church to St. Edmund at Bury , 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 Scotland , subdu'd and receav'd homage of Malcolm , and two other Kings there , Melbeath , and Jermare . (MILTON-E3-H,X,278.182) Three years after having made Swane his suppos'd Son by Algiva of Northamton , Duke Alfhelms Daughter for others say the Son of a Preist whom Algiva barren had got ready at the time of her feign'd labour King of Norway , and Hardecnute his Son by Emma King of Denmark , and design'd Harold his Son by Algiva of Northamton King of England , dy'd at Shaftsbury , (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.183) and was buried at Winchester 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 Ironside , 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 Edric 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 Edmund 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 Edric , yet he himself in cool blood scrupl'd not to make away the Brother and Childern of Edmund , who had better right to be the Lords Anointed heer then himself . (MILTON-E3-H,X,279.187) When he had obtain'd in England 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 Emma , and that Richard Duke of Normandy her Brother might the less care what became of Elfred and Edward , her Sons by King Ethelred . (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.189) He commanded to be observ'd the antient Saxon Laws , call'd afterwards the Laws of Edward the Confessor , not that hee made them , but strictly observ'd them . (MILTON-E3-H,X,280.190) His Letter from Rome 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 Denmarke , 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 Canute was famous through Europe , and much honour'd of Conrade the Emperour , then at Rome , 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 Huntingdon 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 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 , Canute 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)