n a speech he set forth his business, and
said he would advance against Magnus Olafson and have a battle with him,
if the bondes would aid his cause. The king's speech was not very long,
and was not received with much approbation by the bondes. Afterwards the
Danish chiefs who were about the king made long and clever speeches; but
the bondes then took up the word, and answered them; and although many
said they would follow Svein, and fight on his side, some refused to do
so bluntly, some were altogether silent, and some declared they would
join King Magnus as soon as they had an opportunity. Then King Svein
says, "Methinks very few of the bondes to whom we sent a message have
appeared here; and of those who have come, and tell us to our face that
they will join King Magnus as soon as they can, we shall have as little
benefit as of those who say they will sit at home quietly. It is the
same with those who say nothing at all. But as to those who promise to
help us, there are not more than every other man; and that force will
avail us little against King Magnus. It is my counsel, therefore, that
we do not trust to these bondes; but let us rather go to the land where
all the people are sure and true to us, and where we will obtain forces
to conquer this country again." As soon as the king had made known
this resolution all his men followed it, turned their ship's bows, and
hoisted sail. King Svein sailed eastward along the land, and then set
right over to Denmark without delay, and Hardaknut received his brother
Svein very kindly. At their first meeting Hardaknut offered King Svein
to divide the kingdom of Denmark with him, which offer King Svein
accepted.

5. KING MAGNUS'S JOURNEY TO NORWAY.

In autumn (A.D. 1035) King Magnus proceeded eastward to the end of the
country, and was received as king throughout the whole land, and the
country people were rejoiced at his arrival.

6. DEATH OF KING CANUTE THE GREAT AND HIS SON SVEIN.

King Svein, Canute's son, went to Denmark, as before related, and took
part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn
King Canute the Great died in England, the 13th November, forty years
old, and was buried at Winchester. He had been king of Denmark for
twenty-seven years, and over Denmark and England together twenty-four
years, and also over Norway for seven years. King Canute's son Harald
was then made king in England. The same winter (A.D. 1036) King Svein,