Early in the eleventh century Sweyn, the Dane, conquered England
(1013), and "all the people," says the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" (S99),
"held him for full king." He was succeeded by his son Canute (1017).
He could hardly be called a foreigner, since he spoke a language and
set up a government differing but little from that of the English.
[1] "Cnut," a shortened form of Canute.
After his first harsh measures were over he sought the friendship of
both Church and people. He gave the country peace. Tradition reports
that he rebuked the flattery of courtiers by showing them that the
inrolling tide is no respecter of persons; he endeavored to rule
justly, and his liking for the monks found expression in his song:
"Merrily sang the monks of Ely
As Cnut the King was passing by."