Few of us knew then how little able Cnut was to fight the mighty Ironside, but we thought him strong in body as in name.

Else had that plan never been thought of.
They say that Edric Streone advised Cnut to take the old Danelagh and Northumbria and leave Eadmund the rest of the kingdom, the survivor to succeed to all the land.

Maybe he did.

If so, it was that he might earn more from Cnut by giving him all the land.

But it is certain that thus Cnut wrought best for himself, for the Danelagh received him gladly, while Wessex loved Eadmund.