Queen Emma, the widow of Ethelred, now began to set her cap for Canute,
and thus it happened that her sons again became the heirs to the throne
at her marriage, A.D. 1017.

Canute now became a good king. He built churches and monasteries, and
even went on a pilgrimage to Rome, which in those days was almost
certain to win public endorsement.

Disgusted with the flattering of his courtiers, one day as he strolled
along the shore he caused his chair to be placed at the margin of the
approaching tide, and as the water crept up into his lap, he showed them
how weak must be a mortal king in the presence of Omnipotence. He was a
humble and righteous king, and proved by his example that after all the
greatest of earthly rulers is only the most obedient servant.

He was even then the sovereign of England, Norway, and Denmark. In 1031
he had some trouble with Malcolm, King of Scotland, but subdued him
promptly, and died in 1035, leaving Hardicanute, the son of Emma, and
Sweyn and Harold, his sons by a former wife.

Harold succeeded to the English throne, Sweyn to that of Norway, and
Hardicanute to the throne of Denmark.

In the following chapter a few well-chosen remarks will be made
regarding Harold and other kings.



CHAPTER VII.