Yet, even at this awful crisis, Edmund’s lion heart did not wholly fail him, as he left the field where lay all the flower of the Anglo-Saxon race:  the brave and faithful Ulfketyl, Earl Ethelweard, Earl Godwin, Elfric the ealdorman, and well nigh all the great men of England, all sleeping in death.  He rode to the south till he reached the vale of the Thames, which he pursued until he reached the neighbourhood of Gloucester—­Alfgar and Hermann still by his side.  And now it was seen how his merits were recognised, and how he had already gained the love of his people, for, from the territory of the Hwiccas, and all the extreme west of Mercia, men flocked to his standard until he was at the head of an army almost as numerous as that he had lost at Assingdun, only less perfectly disciplined and officered.

But Canute followed hard upon his heels, hoping to crush him while yet weak in numbers, until he discovered, to his great mortification, his rival’s camp on the banks of the Severn, and saw that the forces were again nearly equal.

Then even the Danish chieftains shuddered at the thought of another battle.  Five great battles had been fought, in three of which they had been defeated.  There was no Edric now with Edmund to play into their hands, and they hesitated to engage a sixth time.

At this moment an embassy was seen approaching from Edmund’s army.  Alfgar bore Edmund’s personal defiance to Canute, offering to spare the effusion of blood, and settle their differences by single combat.

Canute’s brave and impetuous temper caught the suggestion at once.  Such appeals to the God of battles were common in the north, and he accepted the challenge.

There is an island in the Severn, then called Oleneige, now called Olney Island.  The following day both armies gathered together on opposite banks, and the two kings, clad in splendid armour, were wafted thither.  Alfgar, having landed his lord, retired with beating heart to the English bank.  Edmund and Canute were alone on the island.

The battle began; no words can describe the dread emotion with which the two nations watched the event.

They continued a long time without any apparent advantage; at length, King Edmund’s fury adding strength to him, his blows were so thick and weighty, that Canute, perceiving his own strength to diminish, conceived a resolution to attempt ending the quarrel by a treaty.

But being crafty, and fearing lest his disadvantage should be apparent to Edmund, he collected all his energies and rushed furiously upon him, then withdrew himself aside, and desired Edmund to suspend the conflict for a while.

“Generous prince,” said he, “hitherto I have had a covetous desire of your kingdom, but now I do yet more earnestly covet your friendship; your father and my father have each reigned over the land, let us divide the inheritance like brothers.”

Edmund’s generous spirit led him to accept the offer, and he threw his battle-axe to the ground and extended his right hand, which Canute eagerly grasped {xvii}.