Bibliotheca Arnamagnæana - 01.06.2003, Page 160

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Michael Chesnutt
Noble ancestry, elegance of manners, and virtuous honesty are to be found in
this man’s essence, * from which the salvation, etc.
Second lesson of the Passion (§ 2a:2:2:l). When news of the king’s death
reached the Danes they expelled Harald, who had offended them in many ways,
from the regency and put the king’s brother Niels on the throne. But because
Niels possessed less foresight and leadership than the kingship required, most of
the responsibility of govemment devolved on the noble Queen Margrete, so that
it was said in other countries that Denmark was ruled by the might of a woman.
Now the queen, being a wise and honest lady, displayed her feelings of mother-
ly love as much to Knud, the son of King Erik, as to her own son Magnus. Knud
and Magnus were, indeed, friends and comrades, as their proximity of blood-
relationship demanded; and as long as the queen was alive no discord could be
nourished between them. And so when she realised that her last day was immi-
nent she summoned Knud to her and spoke to him, saying: “My son, inasmuch
as you are more mature in both years and conduct than my son Magnus, be
mindful of your kinship and my love and tum not away from him; but if he
should stray, whether by the advice of others or due to his own foolishness, re-
buke and correct him as one brother should another.” Knud replied: “Dearest
mother, as God is my witness, nothing harmful shall befall him on my account
but I shall be, as I am obliged, a faithful brother to him in all things.” Accor-
dingly, as Knud grew in years and wisdom, he adorned his age with acts of valour
and virtue. Up to now he had not enjoyed the honour of any dignified position,
but when Elef, duke of Schleswig, breathed his last he requested the vacant
dukedom from his unde Niels, and obtained what he had asked for. At that time,
because of the lack of law and order in the region, there were such frequent in-
cursions by the Wends that the king himself was unable to pass the night there
unless protected by a Frisian guard. Furthermore, no inhabitant of the province
enjoyed safety for himself or his dependents because of the harm inflicted by
thieves and robbers. But you [O Lord, have mercy on us].
Second respond (§ 2a:2:2:2). When the king was about to depart on pilgri-
mage he desired honour for his offspring, but the boy’s age was insufficient for
the burden. The father considers this * when his feeling of biood loyalty asserts
itself;
he decides to leave the care of the boy to a certain man, * when his feeling,
etc.
Third lesson of the Passion (§ 2a:2:3:l). Knud, having been appointed duke by
God’s design, laid his sword on his thigh and girded himself with strength. He
split the invaders of the realm, destroyed robbers, and hanged thieves; and soon
he had liberated his country from all persecution. And so it came about that his