Part 142 - King Canute's Ambassadors To Onund Of Svithjod

In autumn King Canute the Great came to Denmark, and remained there all winter (A.D. 1026) with a numerous army.

It was told him that ambassadors with messages had been passing between the Swedish and Norwegian kings, and that some great plans must be concerting between them. In winter King Canute sent messengers to Svithjod, to King Onund, with great gifts and messages of friendship.

He also told Onund that he might sit altogether quiet in this strife between him and Olaf the Thick;

"for thou, Onund,"

says he,

"and thy kingdom, shall be in peace as far as I am concerned."

When the ambassadors came to King Onund they presented the gifts which King Canute sent him, together with the friendly message. King Onund did not hear their speech very willingly, and the ambassadors could observe that King Onund was most inclined to a friendship with King Olaf.

They returned accordingly, and told King Canute the result of their errand, and told him not to depend much upon the friendship of King Onund.