Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/362

348 lately given to the public by Dr. Nash, is said to be written by her, in the year 1737.

She is also reported to have left behind her a regular plan of Evesham abbey. Much merit is certainly due to this lady; the first female to whom the study of the Saxon language has offered a curious and laudable pursuit. . the deposition of Ethelred, she sent their sons, Alfred and Edward, to Normandy; and Canute, who was jealous of the protection afforded them, to prevent their uncle's taking any steps in their favour, gave him his sister in marriage, and espoused Emma himself, by contract, securing to the children he should have by her the succession to the crown of England. Thus setting aside, not only the elder children of Ethelred, but likewise those he had had by Emma; who never forgave their mother for having thus sold them to the enemy of their father.

Canute had a son by her, named Hardicanute, who being also left king of Denmark, was absent from England at the time of his father's death; and a large party being favourable to his half brother Harold, Emma, who was appointed regent, and given earl Godwin, for counsel, found it very difficult to keep the crown for him, as her coadjutor, was secretly the friend of Harold. Seeing that Hardicanute did not appear, she proposed sending to Normandy for the sons of Ethelred,