The Duel of the Kings, by Henry of Huntingdon

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BUT at length the incomparable strength of Edmund dealt thunder on his rival, and Cnut, though he defended himself stoutly, beginning to quail, cried out, “Bravest of youths, why should either of us risk his life for the sake of a crown? Let us be brothers by adoption, and divide the kingdom, so governing that I may rule your affairs, and you mine. Even the government of Denmark I submit to your disposal.” The generous mind of the young king was moved to gentleness by these words, and the kiss of peace was mutually given. The people assenting with tears of joy, the kingdom of Wessex was allotted to Edmund, and the kingdom of Mercia to Cnut, who then returned to London.*

by Henry of Huntingdon ?1088-?1157

From on‘The Chronicle of Henry of Huntingdon’ by Henry of Huntingdon (1084?-1155), translated and edited (1853) by Thomas Forester. Some small emendations have been made.

* More precisely, the Treaty signed after the combat was resolved gave Northumbria and Danish Mercia to Cnut, while Wessex, Essex, East Anglia, and English Mercia went to Edmund. In the event, however, the arrangement stood for a few weeks only. Edmund died on November 30th that year, and Cnut ruled as undisputed King of England until his death in 1035. See The Murder of Edmund Ironside.

Précis

The two kings were well-matched, but such was Edmund’s skill as a warrior that at last even the mighty Cnut was forced to offer terms. To the joy of both armies, the rival kings agreed to rule together over England, and even over Cnut’s realms in Denmark and Norway, and sealed their oaths with the kiss of peace.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

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