And now the two armies were drawn up which were to decide the fate of England, when it was proposed to determine the war by a single combat between the two kings.

Neither was unwilling; the Isle of Alney in the Severn was chosen for the lists.

Edmund had the advantage by the greatness of his strength, Canute by his address; for when Edmund had so far prevailed as to disarm him, he proposed a parley, in which he persuaded Edmund to a peace, and to a division of the kingdom.

Their armies accepted the agreement, and both kings departed in a seeming friendship.

But Edmund died soon after, with a probable suspicion of being murdered by the instruments of his associate in the empire.
[Sidenote: The Danish race.
Canute.] [Sidenote: Harold I., A.D.