n the other side sat the earl's
wife, one of the most beautiful women that could be seen. They often
talked together for amusement at the drinking-table; and the earl
went generally to bed, but Harald and the earl's wife sat long in the
evenings talking together, and so it went on for a great part of the
winter. In one of their conversations she said to Harald, "The earl has
asked me what it is we have to talk about so much, for he is angry
at it." Harald replies, "We shall then at once let him know all our
conversation." The following day, Harald asked the earl to a conference,
and they went together into the conference-chamber; where also the queen
was, and some of the councillors. Then Harald began thus:--"I have to
inform you, earl, that there lies more in my visit here than I have let
you know. I would ask your daughter in marriage, and have often spoke
over this matter with her mother, and she has promised to support my
suit with you." As soon as Harald had made known this proposal of his,
it was well received by all who were present. They explained the case
to the earl; and at last it came so far that the earl was contracted
to Harald, but as she was very young, it was resolved that the wedding
should be deferred for some years.

79. KING EDWARD'S DEATH.

When spring came Harald rigged his ships and set off; and he and the
earl parted with great friendship. Harald sailed over to England to King
Edward, but did not return to Valland to fulfill the marriage agreement.
Edward was king over England for twenty-three years and died on a bed
of sickness in London on the 5th of January, and was buried in Paul's
church. Englishmen call him a saint.

80. HARALD GODWINSON MADE KING OF ENGLAND.

The sons of Earl Godwin were the most powerful men in England. Toste was
made chief of the English king's army, and was his land-defence man when
the king began to grow old; and he was also placed above all the other
earls. His brother Harald was always with the court itself, and
nearest to the king in all service, and had the charge of the king's
treasure-chamber. It is said that when the king was approaching his last
hour, Harald and a few others were with him. Harald first leans down
over the king, and then said, "I take you all to witness that the king
has now given me the kingdom, and all the realm of England:" and then
the king was taken dead out of the bed. The same day there was a meeting
of the chiefs, at whi