You have all--owing to me.' "Then Cnut rose up and faced him, and a great hush fell on all the assembly.
"'This earl, as it seems, will be content with nothing short of the king's seat.

Two kings has he pulled down, and one has he slain of those two.

We have profited by this, as all men know.

But here do I proclaim myself clear from all part in the slaying of Eadmund my brother, who, but for this man, might hereafter have taken all the kingdom when I died, according to our oaths.

I suppose that no man will believe that I had nought to do with this murder, but I am clear thereof, both in thought or wish or deed.
"'Now in gaining the kingdom which has been the right of the Danish kings--if tribute paid for conquest in old time means aught--at least since the days of Guthrum, if not before, I have used the help of this earl, for Mercia was ours by right, as in the Danelagh.