(A.D. 1133.)
[Schleswig and Scandinavian Breviaries. Life in Knytlinga Saga,
Saxo Grammaticus, Schleswig Breviary, &c.]
Canute Lavard was second son of Eric the Good, King of Denmark. His
elder brother, Nicolas, became King of Denmark, though he was
illegitimate, as Canute was very young. Nicolas had a son named Magnus,
who was also brought up with Canute. Canute purchased the duchy of
Schleswig, and occupied himself with clearing the seas and islands of
Denmark of the pirates who infested them. On one occasion, a pirate whom
he had captured, and condemned with others to be hung, cried out that he
was of royal blood, and was related to Canute. "Then," said the duke,
"you shall hang at the topmast head above the others."
Henry, King of the Sclaves, being dead, Canute succeeded him. The
popularity of this prince, owing to his gentleness, virtue, and piety,
stirred up the envy of Magnus, who feared lest he should put in a claim
to the throne of Denmark, to which indeed he had a right prior to Magnus
and his father. In order to make sure of the succession, Magnus decoyed
his unsuspicious kinsman into a wood, surrounded him with armed men, and
killed him.
[Illustration: Seal of the City of Brussels. S. Gudule, p. 115.]