Part 38 - Of King Magnus's Letter To England

King Magnus ruled then both over Denmark and Norway; and when he had got possession of the Danish dominions he sent ambassadors over to England to King Edward, who brought to him King Magnus's letter and seal.

And in this letter there stood, along with a salutation from King Magnus, these words: —

"Ye must have heard of the agreement which I and Hardaknut made, — that he of us two who survived the other should have all the land and people which the deceased had possessed.

Now it has so turned out, as ye have no doubt heard, that I have taken the Danish dominions as my heritage after Hardaknut.

But before he departed this life he had England as well as Denmark; therefore I consider myself now, in consequence of my rights by this agreement, to own England also.

Now I will therefore that thou deliver to me the kingdom; otherwise I will seek to take it by arms, both from Denmark and Norway; and let him rule the land to whom fate gives the victory."